NIT Season Tip-Off

Yesterday, I headed over to MSG once again for the final of the NIT Season Tip-Off between Purdue and Oklahoma. I’ve already discussed my initial thoughts on Oklahoma, but it’s always good to see teams a few times during the beginning of the season to see if they’re making the necessary adjustments. Blake Griffin is still a man. I’d go as far to say that he’s the best rebounder in the country. He has a great nose for the ball and the athletic ability to ensure the ball is his. I was a little disappointed in his offensive game though, as it seems his jump shot needs work. His brother Taylor Griffin was the real surprise, scoring 19 points and showing off some nice offensive versatility. Willie Warren wasn’t in foul trouble this time and has a knack for driving to the basket, though at times he seemed to force it. He could be a nice secondary scoring compliment to Blake if he matures a little.

I’m not sold on PG Austin Johnson, which doesn’t bode well for their future in the tournament. His decision making seems questionable and he’s got one ugly looking jump shot. Tony Crocker didn’t have it from the outside today, living up to his reputation as a streaky shooter. Purdue was able to bring double teams on the post without being penalized. Cade Davis showed his knack for pressure foul shots, but he should’ve been on the floor instead of Crocker on more offensive sets to limit the double teams. To the Sooners’ credit, they got to the line 46 times compared to only 5 for Purdue. Oklahoma seems a bit vulnerable, specifically with their mediocre point guard play, which means they’re nothing more than a Sweet 16 team come March.

Purdue looked really good offensively for most of the game. They’ve got numerous options on the offensive end, especially from long range. Robbie Hummel was in foul trouble, which proved to be really costly for the Boilermakers. Purdue lacked the same offensive movement and production without him in the final minutes and overtime. E'Twaun Moore is the team’s best scorer other than Hummel and he showed off during a stretch in the second half. JuJuan Johnson provided minimal impact, finding himself in foul trouble as well, which led to Nemanja Calasan receiving serious minutes. Calasan was the butt of many a joke during pregame warm-ups, but he somehow find his best game when it counted. Taking only five foul shots is rather alarming and unacceptable. Usually you get your foul shots from dribble penetration or an inside presence and Purdue didn’t seem to have either working.

Defensive specialist Chris Kramer doesn’t look for his shot at all. Keaton Grant needs to find his offensive game. I liked freshman sparkplug Lewis Jackson, until the point guard showed extremely poor decision making when it mattered. That’s where Purdue lacks it the most. The lack of a true PG seemed to be the biggest negativity when they were unable to produce in their offensive sets towards the end of the game. They have a tough game against Duke next week, which should give me a better assessment of their tournament ability.