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Trey Kaufman-Renn Will Take A Giant Leap

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Mike Schretter | Last updated 8/6/23

After showing flashes of success last season for Purdue, Trey Kaufman-Renn has an opportunity to leap. Going into his Sophomore Year, Coach Matt Painter expects a larger role for Trey.

Trey Kaufman-Renn Will Take A Giant Leap

Looking at Last Season

Productive and Efficient

Trey produced in his minutes for Purdue last season, shooting nearly 50% from the field. He averaged 4.5 points and almost two rebounds in 11 minutes a game. Trey’s production came from a skilled post-up game and an ability to score as a backup center. More importantly, he shot 68% on field goal attempts at the rim last season. Over half of his field goal attempts (53%) came at the basket, and many against taller centers. Kaufmann-Renn produces and demands attention in the low post.

Trey Kaufmann-Renn also produces ripping and driving to the basket, making him a versatile piece for Painter and the Boilermakers.

Passing

He passed the ball well from the post, or on his drives to the basket. Possessing an assist rate of 14%, Kauffman-Renn has a great basketball IQ, and instincts to read the defense. Especially playing with shooters and Zach Edey, at times, his ability to pass makes him a threat to deal with.

Where He Needs to Improve

Shooting and Defense

According to Painter, Kaufman-Renn looks for more minutes at the Power Forward Spot. With this change, Kaufman-Renn has worked on his weaknesses: perimeter defense, and shooting. He only shot 25% from three and was not switching ball screens last season because of his foot speed. Nevertheless, Painter seemed pleased about his progress on both sides of the ball in his interview, recently. To play Trey and Edey together, spacing and guarding perimeter forwards are key. Edey plays in a drop coverage on pick and roll because he is 7’4”, and is slower in terms of foot speed. Therefore, Kaufman-Renn proves valuable if he guards other forwards effectively. His defensive production opens up opportunities for Edey to dominate protecting the rim.

What is Trey’s Role for 2023-2024?

To Score and Run the 4-Spot

It is no secret Trey has a chance to break out this season, by playing the forward spot. He is a matchup problem in the post and attacking the basket. Therefore, a smaller defender creates better opportunities for Kaufman-Renn to dominate the game. He improved his shooting this summer, allowing him to stay on the floor with Edey. Additionally, he improved his quickness to guard the perimeter effectively. If it is playing with Edey or another big, Kaufman-Renn’s apparent improvements make the frontline scary good.

How He Gets There?

The Europe Trip

Purdue takes a trip to Europe without Edey, but this gives Trey an incredible opportunity. He gets to have priority in the offense, work on playing both big spots, and get confident. Kaufman-Renn scores the ball well and it is good that he gets an opportunity to get more minutes to do that on this trip. While it may not show the entire Purdue picture without Edey, Kaufman-Renn gets a chance to show his improved skillset and defense.

Why Will Kaufmann-Renn Succeed?

Trey will find success because of his skill set. He is a hard worker and has more opportunities to showcase his arsenal. Trey Kaufman-Renn has a chance to break out this season, and his shooting and defense will serve as the reasons he succeeds or not. It is exciting to see Trey and his potential breakout season occur in 2023-2024.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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