Coach Matt Painter Reveals Purdue’s Strategy for Final Four Showdown Against NC State

Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter shared insights into their strategy for the upcoming Final Four clash against North Carolina State. Emphasizing the importance of ball security, Painter stressed the need to minimize turnovers against a disciplined opponent.

“Our focus is on ball control,” Painter emphasized to Andy Katz ahead of Saturday’s showdown. “NC State has been proficient at protecting possession themselves.”

Purdue’s tournament performances have shown a trend, averaging 9.5 turnovers per game across their matchups. In contrast, NC State has been even more careful with the ball, averaging just 5 turnovers in their Elite 8 victory over Duke and 8.3 turnovers per game overall.

Highlighting key players such as D.J. Horne and D.J. Burns, Painter underscored the specific roles within NC State’s lineup. “We’re not facing a team with a 26-14 record; we’re facing a team that’s 9-0,” Painter reminded his team.

NC State’s journey to the tournament berth, winning five consecutive games in the ACC Tournament, speaks volumes about their resilience. Their success in March Madness, buoyed by standout performances from Horne and Burns, presents a formidable challenge for Purdue.

Painter emphasized the importance of dominating the rebounding battle, citing Purdue’s impressive +19 rebounding margin per game compared to NC State’s +4.3.

Turning attention to Purdue’s senior center and two-time national player of the year, Painter praised his growth and impact on the team. “His seventh year of organized basketball speaks volumes,” Painter remarked, highlighting the continuous improvement and synergy within the team.

Referring to strategic changes, including incorporating athleticism and adjusting rotations to enhance offensive capabilities, Painter acknowledged the contributions of key players like Zach and Braden Smith. Their presence not only adds versatility but also creates opportunities for perimeter shooting, with Purdue boasting the nation’s second-best 3-point shooting percentage at 40.6%.

In essence, Painter’s remarks underscored Purdue’s focus on disciplined play, rebounding prowess, and offensive versatility as they gear up for the crucial Final Four matchup against NC State.