NCAA Season Preview: Purdue Boilermakers
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NCAA Basketball Season Preview: Purdue (Big Ten Conference)
Purdue Odds to Win National Title: +1,500
The Purdue Boilermakers had a very successful season last year, but it could have been much better. Junior Robbie Hummel went down with a torn ACL last year when the team was ranked in the top five in the country. After Hummel went down, the team struggled to find their identity. They did still make it to the Sweet Sixteen, where they were ousted by the eventual champions, Duke.
A few weeks ago I would have certainly had Purdue in the top three teams in the nation going into this season. Then just a couple weeks ago, Purdue fans got some horrible news that changed the way this season will unfold. Robbie Hummel tore his ACL once again and will miss the entire 2010-2011 campaign. Hummel has been the most versatile player on this team for the last few years, and he was the leader on the floor. Purdue still has a ton of talent to work with, but without Hummel one has to wonder if their chances of winning it all went away.
Additions
Redshirt freshman Sandy Marcius as well as true freshman Travis Carroll may well get plenty of playing time at the center spot this year. Matt Painter said recently that he would like to play JaJuan Johnson at the power forward frequently this year, which means they’ll need one of the new big men to step up.
Subtractions
Chris Kramer was a vocal leader for this team last year, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Purdue needs to step up as a unit and improve their defense, because without Kramer it will definitely be tougher. Keaton Grant played significant minutes for four years and his presence will definitely be missed as well. The biggest subtraction is actually someone who still be on the team, but unable to play (Hummel). 
Key Players
JaJuan Johnson- Johnson is an athletic big man and he put on a lot of muscle in the offseason. Expect to see him controlling the boards even more this year.
E’Twaun Moore- Moore is a guy who can get his own shot anytime he wants and get to the free throw line often. They need him to become a lockdown defender.
Surprising Stat: Purdue won 29 games last season, which was good enough to match the most wins in a season in program history. The team tied the 1993-1994 Purdue team, which was led by Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson.
Strengths
The Boilermakers have plenty of veteran leadership on their team, so don’t expect them to be intimidated by anyone this year. Painter preaches defensive intensity, and the players have gotten the message. The Boilermakers will hound opponents with pressure all year long.
Weaknesses
Outside of Johnson the Boilers are really quite thin on the depth charts down low. This team could struggle against the best rebounding teams in the Big Ten this season. Who will step up as the third scorer for this team?
Postseason
The Boilers aren’t the team they could have been, but they are still far too talented to not reach the NCAA Tournament. I would expect this team to be a top four seed in the tournament and reach the Sweet Sixteen once again.
Purdue Projected Win Total: Look for Purdue to win 23 or 24 games this year
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