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will shoot a better percentage from the perimeter because they've put in more time and they are going to shoot a better shot. I think that's an important piece for this team, our shot selection. We've got to do a better job of getting that point across. Guys that don't understand that simply are not going to play. "I think we have talented enough guys now that that's going to be a big piece of our success on the offensive end, making better decisions. And I think making better decisions is going to lead to us taking a better shot." Gold and Black: Who's your best perimeter defender? Painter: "Terone." Gold and Black: That's still the case with Scott and Carter around? Painter: "It's hard for me to talk about those (new) guys because I haven't seen them go against elite people in a game structure. Once you start going through your season and you play guys like Aaron Craft and you see different types of guys like Glenn Robinson, Gary Harris with all three of those guys being different players, you know better. "Bryson is, in terms of containing the dribble and pressure on the ball, the best we've had since Chris Kramer. Ronnie is good in terms of pressuring the ball. But I've yet to see Bryson in battle yet. I've seen him in practice and workouts. Here he has the ability to be really good defensively, and I mean really good defensively." Gold and Black: Who on this team has that edge you're looking for on defense? Painter: "I'm hoping Basil and 26 IllustrateD volume 24, issue 2 Errick can really give us something at that (4) position defensively in terms of putting pressure on the ball and using their athleticism. Obviously, Ronnie and Bryson are guys that can put some pressure on the ball in the full court. Bryson probably has the most edge to him as a player. He's very competitive, over-competitive at times. But Sterling has done a solid job so far. Whether he's guarding the point or guarding the 2, he definitely needs to use his quickness and get into people to help us." Gold and Black: Assess your schedule and how it fits this specific team. Painter: "I think when you schedule you get concerned about where you're going to be when you have a young team. We wanted to hopefully build up some steam going into the Old Spice Classic. We know we have some challenging games there, but obviously a lot of home games (before). We wanted to build some confidence there and develop some team chemistry and get ready because we have a real tough stretch going into the Old Spice and as we push on into December. I think it's important especially early to understand that each game is important and each game is going to serve a different challenge. "When you play more low- to mid-Division I teams to start the season, the game is played smaller. That's always given us some trouble as we've tried to play bigger at those times. Now, sometimes as you go against bigger people, you can play a smaller lineup and really force their hand in how to play. But if you can't handle the glass and can't handle that physicality, then obviously they are going to flip that matchup on you. It's always interesting to see how you play against particular teams in non-conference. Your mindset on how you're going to play in the Big Ten a lot of times, it's your responsibility to get that figured out before you do. But things jump up and injuries happen and causes you to change some things." Gold and Black: Purdue's obviously used to winning. In your estimation, how did last season go over with people? Painter: "I don't put much stock into that, but it's disappointing as a coach not being able to produce wins for your fans. Our fans are great and we have unbelievable support and our alums have proven how much they care in terms of the money we raise every year for all of our student-athletes and what we were able to do in tough economic times. For the renovation, to have a $100-million project at that time proves that we have a special place here at Purdue. "As a head coach and the guy who's in charge, it's embarrassing (to not make the NCAA Tournament), to be honest with you. But things happen for a reason and it's a tough business so sitting around feeling sorry for yourself or sticking your head in the sand isn't going to get you anywhere. You've got to learn from it and get better because of it and go out and do something about it. I'm excited about the season, and I know our staff is and our players are, to get some things turned around and get going in the right direction." j f