Offensive Player Profile: Camden Hiede

The redshirt freshman joins a preseason top five team that has national title aspirations as one of three newcomers seeking to play significant minutes for Purdue. As part of the previous recruiting class, his name has been overshadowed with the emergence of the Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, but he brings his own unique skillset that can help the team improve. His size and athleticism is something that was missing on Purdue's roster last season as Camden recovered from a foot injury.

With an already establish offensive hierarchy, Camden will take on a limited role for Purdue. But that does not mean his strengths cannot be used to amplify the other players on the roster. First of all, his athleticism gives him potential as a cutter in the half court, finishing plays created for him by others. Additionally, he does have an ability to knock down open shots in spot up situations so he can space the floor next to high level players. And finally, his effort in crashing the offensive glass adds value to his impact in generating extra possessions.

The 6'7" wing has limitations with his play creation, his handle limits his on ball ability to attack closeouts as a young player. The swing skill for Camden is his decision making and ability to continue advantages for the offense. He has shown flashes of lethal cuts and shallow drives that he uses to draw attention before moving the ball, his development will be making those positive decisions consistently.

Although he has shown an ability to shoot the three ball, his potential impact on the game is similar to what Andre Jackson Jr. was for Connecticut on their way to the National Championship. To reach this lofty potential, it will take work to develop into an effective on ball decision maker and driver of closeouts. Yet, his ability to cut, rebound, and shoot will make him valuable offensive player.

In entirety, Camden's size plus athletic potential at the forward position is an anomaly for Painter. A unique tool that can provide both outside shooting and rim pressure by cutting. Playing primarily on the weakside, Hiede should constantly be looking for cutting lanes to generate pressure and space that can help free up other players. While also being aggressive to knock down open threes when given the opportunity. In rarity, Hiede could be experimentally used as a screener and shallow driver to continue advantages. Overall, Hiede has the ability to be a good connective piece for the Purdue offense.