Gold and Black Radio: Purdue hoops, Holidays and Football's coaching moves
GoldandBlack.com’s Brian Neubert and host Derek Schultz take you through the state of fifth-ranked Purdue hoops heading into the Christmas break and analysis of Purdue’s recent hiring of defensive coordinator Kevin Kane.
ON PURDUE BASKETBALL (excerpts from Brian Neubert’s column)
Losses are part of sports. Really bad losses are occupational hazards — in sports and life alike, some days, you just get your ass kicked — and Purdue’s home loss to Iowa State was not great. But once the buzzer sounds, what matters is what teams make of failure.
Three games after that grotesque second half against an outstanding Cyclones team, Purdue looks better than it has at any point this season. Braden Smith is playing at a best-of-the-best level at both ends of the floor, depth is really showing up, the defense has been impeccable and at a point in the season where stuff often starts getting taken away from offenses, Purdue is even seeing more open up.
Just have to carry it over into the resumption of Big Ten play and all things might be possible the rest of the way.
- 1
Ed Orgeron returns to LSU on Lane Kiffin's staff
- 2
Judge recused in Brendan Sorsby eligibility case
- 3
NewAhmad Hardy speaks on rehab, Mizzou return after shooting
- 4
Lane Kiffin reveals NFL-like 'fine system' for players
- 5
Bryce Underwood back for Round 2
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ON DANIEL JACOBSEN
Players often make their biggest jumps between Years 1 and 2. Calling this “Year 2” for Daniel Jacobsen might be taking some liberties with that idea given that he was injured as a freshman, but nevertheless, the sophomore surge might be percolating for the Boilermaker center. Saturday vs. Auburn was maybe the first time he looked like a man instead of a boy, that youthy sort of giant paperboy look that in a roundabout way highlighted his massive upside.
The game is about to get more physical as Big Ten plaY starts and guerilla tactics vs. size commence. Auburn was a great test run. Jacobsen was a force, as he and Oscar Cluff continue to be a best-case-scenario tandem in support of the stars around it.
Purdue has been excellent on defense the past three games, like championship excellent. Jacobsen’s been a big piece of it and getting better.
