The days of JaJuan Johnson, E’Twaun Moore and Robbie Hummel are now long gone. Now the question for the Boilermakers will be, can they overcome a lack of experience and have another 20 win season? Head coach Matt Painter believes there is enough talent to make a run at another NCAA tournament bid. Painter understands there is a great amount of turnover but feels this group is excited about their opportunity to make a name for themselves.
One thing the Boilermakers will have is size. In fact, Painter has more size then he has had in years. As of this writing, Purdue has six players standing 6’8” or taller. The problem is their inexperience. Painter went small many times last season mostly out of necessity. Bu this year Painter may go big to gain an advantage of smaller teams. Purdue has had a weakness in recent seasons in rebounding, (10th in the Big Ten in rebounding margin), so the added size will be a huge benefit.
Purdue fans will notice the size on the defensive end. 7-footer A.J. Hammons will provide immediate help. He will be a space eater in the paint and will be a shot blocker. 6-8 forward Jacob Lawson is a great athlete and will use his leaping ability to be another shot blocker (20 last season in limited action). 6-9 Junior Sandi Marcius can be a tough player down low and can pound against bigger post players. 6-9 forward Travis Carroll has a mid range jump shot and Freshman 6-9 forward Jay Simpson can dribble, pass and shoot.
D.J. Byrd, the Big 10 Sixth Man of the Year, is back as is Guard Terone Johnson. Byrd is the three point specialist but needs to be more consistent in his pull up jump shot. Johnson became a scoring threat late in the season and coach Painter believes if he keeps developing, Johnson could be a All-Big Ten player. One area Johnson must get better is consistent shooting. Purdue will have to rely on a couple of freshmen to make a contribution including Terone’s brother Ronnie. Ronnie will be the starting point guard because of his passing ability. Painter says he is always a step ahead of everyone else. Raphael Davis is a player who can create his own shot and will make things happen in the lane.
Purdue has become a basketball program that doesn’t turn the ball over. Coach Painter will have to make sure they take care of the ball again this season if they plan on having any success. The incoming freshmen will have to make an immediate impact and they will have to rebound better. If they do, Purdue will make some noise in the Big Ten and get another bid to the NCAA tournament.
