GBI Magazine

Gold and Black Illustrated, Nov.-Dec. 2013

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Tom Campbell Coaches and players have said Camille Redmon has improved significantly since last season. That's good because Purdue needs a tall, physical presence in the post. practicing about every other day, but how close to form will she return? The Boilermakers are hoping she'll get fully back, giving Purdue a needed versatile scoring punch from both the inside and out. "Whitney is going to be somebody to watch out for," Clemons said. "She can shoot the outside shot, she can post up, she's really strong, even if she doesn't look it or isn't that tall. But she uses her body very well. I feel like she's an all-around player. I'm excited for her to get on the court." Bays might need to be on the court frequently. Versyp has called her a facilitator, with an ability to not only score but to set others up as well. "She attacks and is a great passer," Versyp said. But Bays will need interior help, too. Clemons could be in line for a starting role, likely as an undersized center. She's shown upside in her career, particularly at the end of freshman season when she played limited minutes but was highly productive during them. Injuries and illness have kept her from reaching near her potential, however. Last season, the 6-2 junior played only 5.5 minutes per outing, averaging just 1.7 points and 1.1 rebounds in her 26 games. Redmon, a 6-4 center, played infrequently last season also, getting in only in 18 games while averaging about 3.2 minutes. She blocked shots well, with an extended reach that can be a distraction for opponents, but was limited offensively, scoring only a field goal and commit68 IllustrateD volume 24, issue 2 ting eight turnovers in her 57 total minutes. "I feel like every day, Camille is getting a lot better," Clemons said. "She's something to look out for, because she works hard in practice. She can blocks shots and rebound and it's hard to score over her. She's a great asset." A couple others could make an impact inside. Sophomore Torrie Thornton, who sat out last season after knee surgeries, has shifted from the wing into the post, where it's thought she can take advantage of her long wingspan to be a solid defensive player. It's a similar move for sophomore Joslyn Massey, who played only 37 minutes across 10 games during her rookie year. "They both have such length," Versyp said. "Joslyn has the best athleticism down there. She can just go and board. She goes to the hole with her hands above the rim. … They both need to do the little things and just be confident in what they do." But no matter which posts get the most P.T., their primary objectives are clear. "I think the biggest thing for them would be to be fundamentally sound on defense and rebounding," Versyp said. "But it will be very helpful if they have success around the basket. They are not going to make all of their shots. But we have to continue to empower them, which we're doing a great job of. "We are being extremely fundamental; we are not doing anything outside the box right now." Still, dealing with physically imposing teams, like Michigan State in the Big Ten, could be challenging for this group of Boilermakers. Look for Purdue to counter as much as possible with its bevy of quick guards, forcing teams to adapt to its style, rather than the opposite. f

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