Purvis Is Most Improved Player On Team

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Last year Rodney's assists to turnovers were 1.2 to 1.9, this year they are 4 to 1 and he is coming off a 7 assist game. He is shooting .474 from 3 point land and averaging 14.3 ppg with his shots all coming within the flow of the offense. His decision making has been MUCH better. I don't know if it's natural maturation, or Ollie making him the de facto player spokesman, or hard work or all 3, but he is off to a very impressive start.

 

[the Blades]

True, I like what he's added to his game, a little pull -up from time to time, looking for a pass option on his drives if the lane gets to clogged, etc....plus his 3 pt shooting as you mentioned. Still has a little "happy feet" at times, but it really looks like he's reeled it in and controls his game much better than last year.... Like to see if his FT% improves but it's way to early yet and to small a sample( 2 for 5)

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

I observed the 2-5 on FTs and didn't mention it because as you said it's too small a sample size. I would have thought Rodney would have more than 5 FTA in 3 games but when you are making 47% of your 3s and shooting .530 overall there is no need to be driving. Eventually defenses will play him differently and then he will explode to the hole and get fouled or charge. Rodney has learned to avoid charges a little better from what I have seen so far.

Regarding the FT shooting he can't be 53% again which is a pathetic rate for any starting guard at this level of basketball. And I am confident he will be in the 60s at least. He is too good a shooter not to be.

 

[CaNOLEE]

It definitely helps When you're knocking shots down, but he's not forcing drives to the hoop like he did for most of last season. I was worried about how he would fit in with the transfers, but so far, so good.

If we defend and rebound to our potential, it's going to be a special season.

 

[the Blades]

Fools gold vs. cupcakes..... can't have him anywhere near thinking he's a facilitator vs. good teams....still wants to run with it out of control and can't hit a FT to save his life.
He'll keep both teams in the game in a tough one.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

His FT shooting is abysmal.........but the entire UConn team did a poor job attacking the SU zone in the first half. They will keep Syracuse in this game if they don't do a better job against the zone. I didn't think this game would be easy and it hasn't been easy. UConn may need to win this one on the defensive end.

 

[the Blades]

This is more my first half Cuse frustration with Rodney( 0-2 FG/ 1-4 FT's / 2 TO's... should have been 3.... 1 Pt total ) but still need more D-ham and Gibbs facilitating and way less Rodney, that said really need Rodney on D.

 

[the Blades]

Purvis is a big minus on offense when he dribbles....he shouldn't do anything in the half court on offense except shoot 3's and play D. His drives are a clusterf#$k's and even if he tries to pass he takes the D right on top of the guy he's passing to...and if he get's fouled on the drive it's a net negative...Needs to deffer to offensive leadership.... because he ain't it.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

He definitely couldn't finish any of his drives this game. Not sure what the problem is because he appears to have the body and physical strength to be a competent finisher.

 

[the Blades]

Does have the body. My thought is competent finishing is more for the fast break game...We've seen it over and over..... in the half court game if you don't have control or a pull up game your a problem to your offense. All the leaders get this....guys like Purvis and Dyson never will. Purvis is Dyson minus a competent FT number...You can't constantly only have one speed all the way to them rim in half court sets..to much breaks down and gets clogged up. Think leaders and winners, Kemba ( had to develop it), Shabazz, Lamb, AJ, KEA, Rip, etc.

 

[Ozzie3178]

He has always had a problem finishing... Needs to finish drives. To many missed lay ups and chippies by him and Brimah.

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

Brimah had a terrible game letting passes go through his hands and Purvis had a bad game finishing drives. Purvis would be well served with a better pull up shot.

 

[the Blades]

Purvis continues to be a TO waiting to happen, for what he gives you on thus plus side he has no right touching the ball or dribbling in a clutch situation ! Nice dribble and pass..( 0:38 Rodney Purvis Turnover)... SMFH !!!!

 

[KhalidShockedTheWorld]

I think what needs to happen is Adams needs to start at point guard, Gibbs needs to slide to shooting guard and Purvis needs to be the 6th man. The last two games kind of proved that this switch must be made. It has to happen now. I don't believe Adams is totally ready yet but his growing pains will have to lived with in the hope that the team improves long term. The starting guards' play was terrible the last two games.