2012 Men’s Basketball Signee Analysis

The Boiling Point: Analysis of Purdue’s 2012 men’s basketball signees.

Today the 2012 commits have made their pledge to Purdue official by signing their national letter of intents. The four man class is currently ranked 20th on Scout.com but could sky rocket up the rankings if Gary Harris commits tonight  or in upcoming days. Here’s an analysis of each of the current 2012 signees. We’ll write something about Harris if he commits to the Boilers.

Ronnie Johnson
What He Brings To The Table: Johnson is the brother of current Boiler sophomore Terone Johnson. The ultra-quick point guard out of Indianapolis, IN is one of the top guards in the state. From the day he steps on campus he will be competing for the spot Lewis Jackson will leave vacated. Don’t be surprised to see him starting right away. Johnson is a pass first guard who has the ability to light it up on the scoreboard if needed.
Strengths:
-Type of player who would be fine having a ton of assists and no points.
-Can create own shot.
-Quickness/Speed
Weaknesses
-Needs to add strength
-Be consistent with his outside shooting

Rapheal Davis
What He Brings To The Table: It feels like Davis has been committed to Purdue forever. From Fort Wayne, IN he might be one of the most, if not the most, underrated player in Indiana. He puts up a lot of points but isn’t flashy about it. One of those types of players who just goes about his business. He has the ability to play multiple positions and has the ability to be a lock down defender.
Strengths
-Size
-Versatility
-Defense

Weaknesses
-Consistent outside shot
-Sometimes emotions get the best of him(technicals)
-Ball handling could be improved

Jay Simpson
What He Brings To The Table: No one has ever questioned Simpson’s athletic ability when he gives everything he has on the court. The problem comes when he isn’t going 100 percent. The flashes of brilliance that Purdue coach Matt Painter saw is what makes Simpson the most intriguing recruit in this class. Simpson is spending this season in prep school, so that should help improve his work ethic. He has battled asthma throughout high school, but Painter won’t take any excuses in West Lafayette. Knowing how great of a motivator Painter is, Simpson could be a four-year starter at the power forward position alongside big man A.J. Hammons.
Strengths
–Athleticism
–Size
Weaknesses
-Motor/Conditioning
-Work ethic

A.J. Hammons
What He Brings To The Table: Size, size and more size. Hammons is a legit 7-footer who will likely be a mainstay in the lane for years to come for the Boilers. He gives Purdue a prototypical Big Ten big man because he can rebound at a high rate, play with physicality and block shots. Hammons is originally from Gary, Ind., and played his first couple high school seasons in Carmel, Ind. He is in his second year at Oak Hill prep school in Virginia.
Strengths
-Size
–Physical presence
-Should transition well to college after two years at a prep school
Weaknesses
-Motor/Conditioning
–Raw offensively