Shortly after Dawson scared many by flirting with the UCLA media, it's more than comforting to hear him say some kind words about Purdue Basketball. Dawson, who is usually pretty diplomatic and cryptic when speaking with Purdue, was extra straight forward and positive when he spoke to the LJC about the his recruitment.
Here are some note-worthy quotes from the 5-star prospect:
"I could see myself playing at Purdue for coach (Matt) Painter. They are like family ... like brothers. Coach Painter has been following me for a long time. That shows that Purdue wants me. It tells me a lot when the head coach comes to my games and watches me a lot."
"I like how Purdue develops its players. They play defense first. At Purdue, you are a student first and then an athlete."
"I want a school that will provide a good education and a program that will run up and down the court," Dawson said. "I can see myself playing in Mackey Arena."
Word on the street is that he's much more lenient on his possible commitment date. While it was reported that he'd be committing next spring, he has opened the door to a possible fall commitment. This would spare many from the agony of uncertainty.
It's great to hear him say some positive things about Purdue coming directly from Dawson's mouth. Branden Dawson has been called nothing short of a complete monster on the boards and inside and is clearly the top player on the Junior All-Star team.
As many comments have pointed out, he probably will need to work on his perimeter game to succeed in the long term; however, he has the skill set to make a big impact as is. He has a great work ethic and a non-stop motor. There is a selfish part of me that doesn't mind his developing long range as it would probably keep him in college longer.
If you don't mind, I'd like to pipe-dreaming for a second...
From a program perspective, a Dawson commitment would big absolutely huge in ensuring the long-term success of Purdue Basketball. Painter has done a great job with recruiting and has built a great future, but Dawson would nearly guarantee Purdue stays relevant on the National level for years to come.
This relevance is important, especially in recruits' eyes. No body is rushing to go to a school that was great 10 years ago but is at the bottom of the Big Ten now. If there is anything we can learn from our friends in Bloomington, it's past success does not guarantee anything in the future. Those glorious banners might be a great conversation starter, but championships won when most of the player's parents were in school is clearly not resonating with their recruits.
Sorry, for the tangent, back to Dawson...
You would be lying if you said you weren't just a little bit nervous of life without Hummel/Moore/JJ. A Dawson commitment would ease those worries a little bit as he'll have a great supporting cast and experience around him. The thought of Terone Johnson, Branden Dawson, Donnie Hale, Travis Carroll, and Lewis Jackson playing together, with Anthony Johnson (a more experienced) Byrd/Bade, and some exciting wild cards like Barlow and Marcius's development. And that's not even taking in account the stellar 2012 class that will be anxiously waiting to carry on the torch.
On Paper, Dawson would take the current projected teams from good to great. Or at least really, really good.
It's gets better.
A Dawson commitment may grease the wheels for some of the 2013 standouts who want to be part of something special. Basil Smotherman, Collin Hartman, and Devin Davis are all rising stars who Purdue has a very legitimate shot at. They have all seen Travis Carroll, Terone Johnson, and Donnie Hale play locally and they have surely seen Dawson dominate. They know the type of team they could be a part of.
Clearly, a Branden Dawson commitment could possibly set in motion some great things for Purdue Basketball and add to the growing legend of Matt Painter.
I'll leave my pipe-dreaming there. Back to the real (and rainy) world...
