Purdue basketball vs. GVSU player ratings: Trey Kaufman-Renn steps out of Zach Edey’s shadow

WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue basketball concluded the non-dramatic half of its exhibition schedule with a 99-41 victory over Grand Valley State on Wednesday night.

Not the same competition level as the Boilermakers faced at Creighton, but a final tune-up for Monday’s season opener against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

Purdue led 40-12 at one point and did what it was supposed to do against this level of opponent.

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All ratings out of 10; *denotes Man of the Match

STARTERS

∎ Braden Smith: 7/10

Didn’t immediately lock into the game flow tonight the way he did at Creighton, where he showed off an increased aggressiveness as a shooter. Stayed productive when shots didn’t fall via three first-half assists. Also better defensive intensity after coach Matt Painter called him and the other returning starters out for their performance in the first exhibition.

∎ Fletcher Loyer: 8/10

Found multiple ways to get to the free throw line, making 6-of-7 there to lead Boilers scorers in the first half. Also bounced back defensively and was on the floor while GVSU endured an 0-for-7 shooting effort over seven scoreless minutes early in the game.

∎ Gicarri Harris: 8/10

Smith might be the player other Big Ten teams’ fans hate the most, but Harris might be the one opposing players get fed up with rather quickly. He really harasses people defensively, and because he shares minutes, it feels even more relentless. Also did a good job playing through his defense, letting the offense come to him and picking his moments of aggression.

∎ Trey Kaufman-Renn: 9/10*

We still have not really seen Kaufman-Renn exploiting that skill advantage against opposing centers. He looked like a man among boys for an early stretch tonight and posted a double-double in his first 16 minutes on the floor. Established an immediate and palpable presence, which if replicated against tougher…

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Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star

Publish date : 2024-10-31 01:11:00

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