Matt Painter Explains How Indiana's Kel'el Ware, Malik Reneau Can Give Purdue Problems

Indiana big men Kel'el Ware and Malik Reneau are athletic and have a strong connection on the floor. Purdue coach Matt Painter has been impressed with the Hoosiers' tandem this season, saying they can cause problems for the Boilermakers.

Purdue might have the best center in the country in Zach Edey, but coach Matt Painter knows that Indiana's bigs have the potential to cause some problems. The tandem of Kel'el Ware and Malik Reneau is something the Boilermakers are going to have to be aware of Tuesday night inside Assembly Hall.

The first question tossed Painter's way on Monday while meeting with reporters was about the duo of Ware and Reneau. The long-tenured Boilermakers coach raved about the way the two play together.

"Their ability to have two guys who have great size and length, that can both post up and shoot the ball on the perimeter," Painter said. "They're both really good athletes. They run the floor, get on the glass, they're skilled, they're athletic. They have a real good connection between the two of them, too. You see some of the lobs that Reneau throws Ware. They have that connectivity.

"They're not (Indiana's) only two guys but just kinda that one, two punch on the front line is pretty impressive."

Ware is averaging 14.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game for the Hoosiers. He's an athletic 7-foot center who can draw Edey away from the basket because of his mobility.

Reneau may not share quite the same athleticism, but he's proven to be effective in the paint and around the 3-point line. He's averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game. The 6-foot-9 forward is also shooting nearly 43% from behind the arc.

At times, Purdue has struggled against some of the more athletic, mobile big men they've faced. Players who can move Edey outside of the painted area seem to gain an advantage for their team.

The Hoosiers are going to have their hands full with Edey and fellow big man Trey Kaufman-Renn Tuesday night. But if Ware and Reneau can wear down Purdue's front court, Indiana is going to put itself in position to win a third straight game over the Boilermakers.

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