The last edition of the
Big Ten Picture featured the
Iowa Hawkeyes. This week we take a close look at Indiana's arch-rival, the
Purdue Boilermakers.
BoilermakerBlog.com has compiled an in-depth preview of the Boilermakers, and we examine how well (or not so well) IU might match up.
Boilermaker Blog:
2007-2008 was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Purdue Boilermakers, however the “Baby Boilers” came within one game of the Big Ten basketball regular season championship and won their opening round game of the NCAA Tournament. Purdue returns all five starters this season and is hoping for its first Big Ten championship since 1996 and a late run into “March Madness”.
The Boilers sported a top-five national recruiting class in 2007 and should reap the benefits for years to come. Both
Robbie Hummel and
E’Twaun Moore received post-season accolades following their freshman campaigns. Moore led the team in scoring (12.9 ppg) and minutes played per game (30.6), while Hummel chipped in with 11.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per contest.
The starting line-up will also include the conference’s defensive MVP in junior
Chris Kramer (2.3 steals per game) and junior
Keaton Grant (11.2 ppg). The post was a big weakness for the Boilers last season due to their lack of size. Purdue did not address the issue in recruiting, however an off season in the weight room should do wonders for 6’10” Sophomore
JaJuan Johnson (5.4 ppg and 3.1 rpg) and 6’9” Senior
Nemanja Calsasn (6.4 ppg and 3.3 rpg).
Purdue lost just two players from last year’s squad in senior
Tarrance Crump (4.5 ppg) and sophomore transfer
Scott Martin (8.5 ppg). A recruiting class that includes three guards will help to replenish the cupboard. Lewis Jackson, Ryne Smith and John Hart will add to one of the Big Ten’s best three-point shooting teams.
Coach
Matt Painter will be preaching defense and rebounding this season after a late season collapse saw the Boilermakers finish the season 4-3 including losses to Indiana and Ohio State that derailed their championship hopes. The season was highlighted by back-to-back home wins over Big Ten champion Wisconsin and nationally ranked Michigan State. The Boilers finished the 2007-2008 campaign with a sweep of the Badgers.
Purdue will not be sneaking up on anyone this season as the Boilermakers have been ranked in the top ten nationally in many pre-season publications. The Boilers will have an early season test when they take on Duke in the ACC - Big Ten Challenge on December 2nd.
Recruiting Information:
Lewis Jackson PG (5’9”)
Decatur (IL) Dwight Eisenhower
Rivals Position Rank 23rd
Ryne Smith SG (6’3”)
Toledo (OH) Whitmer
Rivals Position Rank 29th
John Hart SG (6’2”)
Beech Grove (IN) Beech Grove
Rivals Position Rank NR
Projected Starting Five:
Robbie Hummel (So.) 11.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg
E’Twaun Moore (So.) 12.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg
Keaton Grant (Jr.) 11.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg
Chris Kramer (Jr.) 6.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg
JaJuan Johnson (So.) 5.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg
Key Subs:
Nemanja Calsasn (Sr.) 6.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg
Marcus Green (Sr.) 4.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg
Key Losses:
Scott Martin (Transfer) 8.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg
Tarrance Crump (Graduation) 4.5 ppg, 1.2 rpg
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IUplanet:
It doesn't take an expert to know that IU is going to be a severe underdog to its in-state rival this year. The Hoosiers have seen an entire roster overhaul, while Purdue is riding a ton of momentum from an excellent overall performance last season.
Indiana is bringing in some nice talent, but Purdue's prodigious freshmen are returning with a season of playing time under their belts. They're still young, but they undoubtedly have the advantage in experience and established performance
The fact that Purdue doesn't have a dominant inside presence gives the under-sized Hoosiers a glimmer of hope, but the young squad will have to play well beyond its actual experience to stay in a contest with the talented Boilermakers.
IU should return to the top tier of the Big Ten in a few years, but at this point Matt Painter's recruiting success may have the Boilermakers dominating the conference in the near future.
Discuss it in the forums
Many thanks to the Boilermaker Blog for the great report!
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