Purdue Men's Basketball Section

JOURNAL & COURIER

Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010

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ONE FOR ALL ...

...

ALL

FOR ONE

CARRY ON

HUMMEL HEALING

CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD

FRESH FACES

JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore believe the Boilers can still reach their goals despite Robbie Hummel’s injury. Page 3

Hummel may not be a factor on the court this season, but he plans to play a key role from the sideline and in practice. Page 4

Rebounding may determine Purdue’s success this season.

That responsibility lies with more than one person. Page 8

The freshmen — two more Johnsons for the backcourt and Travis Carroll on front line — will contribute. Page 10

2 Sunday, November 14, 2010

Journal & Courier • www.jconline.com

PURDUE BASKETBALL 2010-2011 Inside • The Big Three was reduced to two when Robbie Hummel suffered a season-ending knee injury during preseason practice. Read how fellow seniors JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore plan to carry on and help their teammates reach their goals. Page 3 • Find out how Hummel is coping with his injury and what role he plans to play this season. Page 4 • Learn how the three seniors — plus former Boilermaker Scott Martin — formed a bond in high school and ended up at Purdue in a top-10 recruiting class. Page 5 • While much has been made about Johnson and Moore, the real key to this team’s success may be the point guard. Page 6 • One weakness in the past for the Boilermakers has been rebounding.

What steps have they taken to improve? Page 8 • How do DJ Byrd, Ryne Smith and John Hart fit in this season and what roles will they play? Page 9 • A strong freshman class is expected to contribute early to Purdue’s success. Page 10 • Player bios. Page 11 • J&C sportswriter Jeff Washburn believes the Boilermakers remain a strong team. Page 12 • Read what the Big Ten analysts have to say about the conference race this season. Page 13

Purdue schedule Date Nov. 14 Nov. 17

Opponent vs. Howard vs. Alcorn State

Time 5 p.m.

7 p.m.

Chicago Invitational Challenge Nov. 21 vs. Oakland 7 p.m.

Nov. 23 vs. Austin Peay 7 p.m.

Nov. 26 vs. Southern Illinois at Hoffman Estates, Ill. 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 27 vs. Richmond/Wright State at Hoffman Estates, Ill. TBA Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 11 Dec. 18

By Michael Heinz/Journal & Courier

Purdue coach Matt Painter is beginning his sixth season coaching the Boilermakers.

Follow the Boilermakers this season FULL COURT PRESS

PHOTO GALLERIES

BLOG & TWITTER

For complete coverage, including game previews and recaps, feature stories, notebooks and commentary, visit www. jconline.com/purduehoops throughout the season

The Journal & Courier photo staff will offer game action and fan galleries from a majority of games online at jconline.com

The J&C’s Jeff Washburn shares his insights on his blog at jconline. com/blogs You can also follow him at twitter.com/JeffWashburnJC

ACC/Big Ten Challenge at Virginia Tech vs. Alabama at Valparaiso vs. North Florida Boilermaker BlockBuster vs. Indiana State

Dec. 21 Dec. 28 Dec. 31 Jan. 5 Jan. 9 Jan. 13 Jan. 16 Jan. 19 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 8 Feb. 13 Feb. 16 Feb. 19/20 Feb. 23 Feb. 26/27 March 1 March 5/6

vs. IPFW at Michigan vs. Northwestern at Penn State vs. Iowa at Minnesota at West Virginia vs. Penn State vs. Michigan State at Ohio State vs. Minnesota at Wisconsin vs. Indiana at Illinois vs. Wisconsin vs. Ohio State at Indiana at Michigan State vs. Illinois at Iowa

March 10 March 11 March 12 March 13

Big Ten tournament First round at Indianapolis Quarterfinals at Indianapolis Semifinals at Indianapolis Finals at Indianapolis

March 17-20 March 24-27 April 2-4

7:30 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

9 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

4 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

2 p.m. noon 6:30 p.m. noon 7 p.m.

TBA 8:30 p.m.

9 p.m.

9 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

TBA 8:30 p.m.

TBA 7 p.m.

TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

NCAA tournament First and second rounds* Regionals** Final Four at Houston

* First and second round sites are Denver, Tampa, Tucson, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland and Tulsa ** Regional sites are Anaheim, New Orleans, Newark, N.J. and San Antonio

Sunday, November 14, 2010 3

www.jconline.com • Journal & Courier

PURDUE BASKETBALL 2010-2011

And then there were two “Everyone is going to have to do a little bit more.”

JaJuan Johnson, senior forward on playing without Robbie Hummel

Johnson, Moore vow to carry on without Hummel

By JEFF WASHBURN jwashburn@jconline.com

5

Things you didn’t know about JaJuan Johnson:

1. I like to cook. I’m especially big on pasta dishes. If I’m not sure how to make it, I will call my mom for advice.

2. I like scary movies. I’m eager to see Paranormal Activity 2.

3. I love to play video games.

4. I like to play golf. Rob got me into golf. I’ve gotten better, although this summer, I didn’t get to play as much as I

wanted.

5. I enjoy looking up and finding inspirational quotes on the Internet.

Whatever mood I’m feeling, I try to find a quote to match it.

5

Things you didn’t know about E’Twaun Moore:

1. I love Rap and R&B music. Jay-Z is my favorite artist.

2. I love comedy movies. My favorite comedy actor is the late Bernie Mac. 3. I like going to a baseball batting cage.

I always tell my dad, “I should have been a baseball player. There’s more money in baseball.” I hit it OK. The last two times I went, I hit the ball pretty well. I think I should have been a baseball player.

4. I love to eat Mexican food.

5. I also enjoy being a DJ. I’m a good DJ. I’ve done it at parties.

“JaJuan and I have goals to be more vocal ... do more to help the other guys get through things.”

E’Twaun Moore, senior guard on playing without Robbie Hummel

E’Twaun Moore remembers how overwhelmed he was as a high school freshman when Matt Painter showed up at East Chicago Central to watch an open gym scrimmage.

“That was the first time a college coach expressed interest,” Moore said. “I didn’t know what to think.”

That same year, tall and lanky JaJuan Johnson also was overwhelmed when Painter was watching him play AAU games during a time the center barely was skilled enough to play for Franklin Central’s freshman B team.

“I was still learning the game, and there coach Painter was,” Johnson said.

As the two Purdue standouts prepare for their senior season, no longer are they overwhelmed.

The third piece of this senior class to remember — 6-foot-8 forward Robbie Hummel — has been lost for the season with a second right knee injury in eight months.

Now this becomes Moore’s team and Johnson’s team.

Hummel will be there providing support and instruction, especially to the younger players, but No. 4 won’t be helping Johnson rebound or creating open shots for Moore.

Moore, who averaged a team-leading 16.4 points last season when the Boilermakers finished 29-6, promises he is prepared to provide the intangibles this team will need on and off the court.

“It’s always been the same for me as far as the leadership part,” Moore said. “JaJuan and I have goals to be more vocal ... do more to help the other guys get through things.

“We just won’t have Rob’s input on it. Some people may not think I’m comfortable in a leadership role. But I’ve always talked. Outside people may not see that, but I definitely feel comfortable.

I will hope they help me if I make a mistake.”

Moore and Johnson will have to adjust to playing without their classmate. For example, there are rotations in which Johnson will play Hummel’s power forward position instead of center.

If point guards Lewis Jackson and Kelsey Barlow struggle at the free throw line — Jackson shot 44.4 percent from the stripe last year and Barlow shot 46.6 — Moore may direct the offense in the final minutes of close games.

Because they are experienced, Moore and Johnson will be asked to be more versatile than ever.

“I think it can work,” Moore said. “JaJuan can guard a smaller player because he is long and athletic. He also can step out and make an outside shot.”

Huddle up A few keys to the Purdue men’s basketball season: Moving past Hummel The Boilermakers must find a way to win close games without injured forward Robbie Hummel’s versatility and multiple skills.

Rebounding JaJuan Johnson is an accomplished rebounder, but those who will assist him — Patrick Bade, Sandi Marcius and Travis Carroll — are not.

A defensive stopper For four seasons, Chris Kramer stirred the defensive pot, making life miserable for opponents.

Can anyone fill his shoes?

Point guard Lewis Jackson is the small quick one. Kelsey Barlow is the tall explosive one. Rarely does a college team have so much versatility at point guard.

Another scorer JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore are proven scorers, but with Hummel’s injury, who becomes the third scoring option? Ryne Smith, Terone Johnson, John Hart, DJ Byrd and Anthony Johnson will be auditioning.

Is bigger better?

For now, JaJuan Johnson is Purdue’s starting center, and Bade is the power forward. Could Marcius or Carroll be the eventual starting center, sliding Johnson into the power forward spot.

Johnson, Johnson & Johnson It will create a broadcaster’s nightmare, but there will be times when JaJuan Johnson, Terone Johnson and Anthony Johnson are on the floor together. By the way, none are related.

Down the stretch Beginning with a Jan. 22 home game against Michigan State, Purdue has an 11-game window in which it plays MSU twice, Ohio State twice, Illinois twice and IU twice.

— Jeff Washburn/ jwashburn@jconline.com Johnson, an Associated Press Preseason All-American first-team selection, averaged 15.5 points and 7.1 rebounds last season.

With Hummel sidelined, Johnson believes he would be making a mistake by trying to do too much.

“There’s an opportunity for someone else to help this team,” Johnson said. “Sure, we lose a little bit on both ends of the court. Rob is a good leader for this team.

“Everyone is going to have to do a little bit more. We’ve been in this situation before.

Because it happened at the See TWO, Page 4

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Journal & Courier • www.jconline.com

PURDUE BASKETBALL 2010-2011

TWO FROM PAGE 3

By Michael Heinz/Journal & Courier

Senior forward Robbie Hummel plans to mentor his younger teammates after suffering a season-ending injury.

Hummel down, but far from out

By JEFF WASHBURN jwashburn@jconline.com

Five days after a second season-ending knee injury in as many years, Robbie Hummel wanted to be involved in what his Purdue basketball teammates were doing.

The 6-foot-8 forward stood under Mackey Arena’s south basket and watched as the Boilermakers’ young big men worked on screening, then rolling and screening again.

When redshirt freshman Sandi Marcius was struggling to grasp the concept, Hummel walked onto the court and instructed Marcius. Within minutes, Marcius understood.

Although the two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection won’t score a point or grab a rebound during what was to be his senior season, Hummel vows to help this team win.

It’s a trait that endears Hummel to his teammates and coaches, as well as Purdue fans.

“Rob is the best,” coach Matt Painter said. “It’s tough to find guys like him.

It’s not something we take for granted. That’s how he handles things. He has experience of overcoming things. That’s something that will continue to motivate him.

“He kind of moves to the next challenge. He has a long road, but you always break things up. You take on that challenge. You feel terrible for him. It’s very frustrating when you can’t help somebody. He will get it down. He will be back.”

DJ Byrd said this team must do everything in its power to use Hummel’s injury as a source of motivation.

“Every day, we see Rob putting in hours to get back,” the sophomore guard/forward said.

“We’ve seen the passion he shows for both the team and for the game. What happened is hard for everyone. At the same time, this team has to keep going and keep him in mind when we’re doing stuff.

“If we keep that in mind, any little injury doesn’t hurt any more. The goal definitely is the same. We’re going to work toward our championship goals. We will take it seriously every day in practice.”

Hummel, who averaged 15.7 points and 6.9 rebounds last season, appreciates the encouragement he has received from all his teammates, especially fellow seniors JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore.

“They told me anything that I need, they are more than willing to help,” Hummel said. “They have been

great through the whole thing, but there’s not a whole lot they can say.

“They understand that I am very frustrated, and I think they are very frustrated. Everybody is.”

A team expected to be among a handful capable of winning the NCAA championship now is missing perhaps its most versatile player.

Some national media members have dropped the Boilermakers from elite status.

“When you lose a big piece of what you do, people are going to doubt you,” Painter said. “With that, it motivates our guys. We don’t huddle a lot and talk about things. We just go out and practice and try to get better.

“This is something we’ve been through. There is a silver lining to all of this, but you don’t know what it is. You have to be optimistic and positive. They embrace that.”

Just like everyone associated with Purdue basketball embraces Hummel.

“I always felt Rob completed us with all the intangibles that he brought to the table,” Painter said.

“It’s very unfortunate. Everybody feels terrible for Rob. “But in terms of having a very good team with a lot of experience, we have

those things. Now we have to bring it all together and have success. We still have a lot of quality players.”

Painter doesn’t want his players to be consumed with what is being said and written about what the Boilermakers cannot do without Hummel.

“Every coach in America gets that ... when the national media picks against you, especially the way they did against us in the (2010) NCAA tournament,” Painter said. “That’s a hard thing on a young mind.

“But the disappointment would lie in not playing hard. You can’t control everything. We just need to play hard. We have to do a lot of things just to get into the NCAA tournament.”

Hummel, who will be watching this story unfold, vows to return for the 201112 season.

“I will have a year to prepare,” Hummel said.

“That’s more than enough time. Next year we lose E’Twaun and JaJuan, but I don’t think the cupboard will be bare.

“We still will be good. I really think that. I guarantee that I will do everything in my power to come back and work just as hard, if not harder, to come back.

“Still, it’s not the most ideal situation that could have happened.”

beginning of the year, we have a little time to adjust and gel with each other.”

Illinois coach Bruce Weber said if there is a silver lining for Moore and Johnson, it’s that they will begin their senior season knowing that Hummel won’t be there to help them instead of having to adjust on the fly in late February.

When Hummel was injured in last season’s 27th game — Feb. 24 in a victory at Minnesota — roles were well defined.

Then, when Hummel went down, Moore’s shooting percentage slipped, and Johnson was left as Purdue’s only established rebounder.

“They had to try to reinvent their team in midstream,” Weber said.

“They did a great job. Chris Kramer and Keaton Grant stepped up, and they got a piece of the Big Ten and made a nice NCAA tournament run.

“It’s sad for Robbie and Matt (Painter), and it’s sad for their program and the Big Ten. Robbie is such a quality kid. If you are making a mold for an ideal college basketball player, he would be somebody you would use as that example.”

Painter says he now has a team with two potential All-Americans instead of three. Is two enough to achieve the lofty goals many Boilermaker fans anticipated?

“Until we play an actual game, it’s kind of hard to tell what we have,” Johnson said. “I think our expectations as a team are the same that we had from the beginning — win the Big Ten and get to the Final Four.

“It might be harder, but I think all of our goals are attainable. We made it to the Sweet Sixteen last year without Rob and were leading Duke at halftime. If we stay together, anything is possible.”

Big Ten Network analyst Shon Morris, a former Northwestern player, has watched Moore and Johnson for three seasons and is among those that still believes Purdue has enough firepower.

“Purdue losing Hummel is a big thing, but E’Twaun is a guy that I think gets overlooked,” Morris said.

“I don’t understand it, but he does. All that guy does is score, win, make plays and get assists.

JaJuan is a tough matchup, too. They have two tremendously strong players.”

Painter will ask for plenty from Moore. He wants the 6-4 guard to be a more active rebounder — he averaged 3.8 a game last season — and the lockdown defender on the perimeter.

Moore, according to Painter, never will be a Kramer-like defender but is solid, especially for a leading scorer.

“E’Twaun really has improved defensively,” Painter said. “He has done a very good job of leading and making the right play. I’ve always said, especially now with Rob out, E’Twaun has to let it come to him.

“When he lets the game come to him, I wouldn’t trade him for anybody. But when he presses a little, he tries to be too aggressive and not pick his spots. At times, he has a predetermined thought. When he lets it come to him, he is pretty dangerous.”

For Moore and Johnson, decision making becomes more important than ever.

They’ve averaged 27 victories in their first three collegiate seasons, but Hummel, Kramer and Grant — all good decisionmakers — were on board for most of those wins.

“JaJuan and E’Twaun need to be good teammates and be good leaders,” Painter said. “They need to play winning basketball. What separates good to great is, ‘Do you have the ability to make people around you better?’

“That’s going to be a big challenge for JaJuan and E’Twaun. They both have the ability and quality to be those guys. Right now is a great challenge for those guys. I think they are up to it. I thought we had three All-American caliber players. Now we have two.”

Work ethic is one concern Painter does not have for Moore and Johnson.

“They always have been guys that have put time into their game,” Painter said. “Sometimes guys that are not as outspoken as others still are leaders by just working hard. If you see JaJuan and E’Twaun coming early and staying late as an 18-year-old walking into a program, you say, ‘Well, that’s what you are supposed to do.’

“If you get guys showing up at 3 p.m. and leaving at 5:30, a young guy will say, ‘That’s what you are supposed to do.’ We’ve got two guys leading who care and who want to win. That’s why we should be successful.”

Sunday, November 14, 2010 5

www.jconline.com • Journal & Courier

PURDUE BASKETBALL 2010-2011

Seniors formed bond during AAU experience

By JEFF WASHBURN jwashburn@jconline.com

When they were fifthgraders, Robbie Hummel and Scott Martin were teammates for a state champion Amateur Athletic Union basketball team in Valparaiso.

As seventh-graders, East Chicago’s E’Twaun Moore and Indianapolis’ JaJuan Johnson became friends as AAU opponents.

With AAU basketball as the common thread, one of the most heralded recruiting classes in Purdue history — Martin transferred to Notre Dame after his freshman season — began to evolve during their eighth-grade year when they participated in an AAU tournament at Lafayette’s Tecumseh Middle School.

After Martin’s defection, Moore, Johnson and Hummel hoped to complete a four-year run of excellence together by helping the Boilermakers seek a Final Four trip.

Now that Hummel has been sidelined for the season with a second right knee injury in eight months, only Johnson and Moore will complete their senior season together.

That doesn’t erase their elementary and middle school basketball memories, which represent some of the best times of their lives.

“We were playing in this tournament at Tecumseh, and it was a legit tourna-

ment,” Hummel said. “I had a T-shirt from winning it all, and it had every team on it ... Lawrence North, Ben Davis, East Chicago, us, Terre Haute. I kept it for a long time.”

That tournament’s showcase game took place in the semifinals when Moore and East Chicago played Hummel, Martin and Valparaiso.

Until that day, Hummel was unaware of Moore.

Now he never will forget his Boilermaker teammate.

“This guy is just killing us,” Hummel said. “We had two of the best players in the state, if not the country, and we can’t guard E’Twaun. I didn’t know who he was. I said, ‘Who is this guy? Why can’t we guard him?’

“Then when E’Twaun was a freshman, I found out he had 30 against LaPorte in a regional game. I said, ‘Well, that’s why we couldn’t stop him. He is one of the best players in the country.’ Then it made sense. We played them a lot. We may have beaten them every time.”

Moore smiles when he recalls the game in Lafayette against Valparaiso.

“It was just crazy,” Moore said. “I knew they had a good team. We didn’t know each other personally, but they had some other guys my age that were also pretty good. We had a real good game, a wild game.

“Both teams were going at it. Somebody on our team punched Scott Martin in

The Times of Northwest Indiana

E’Twaun Moore (from left), Robbie Hummel and former Boilermaker Scott Martin played on the same AAU team. the stomach. It was real intense. They won the game, but I had a lot of points. I always was a scorer, so I was putting the ball in the bucket, especially in that game.”

It was a team that impressed Moore, who admired the way Hummel played. A year later, Hummel and Moore became AAU teammates, further bonding their friendship

and potential as college teammates.

“I couldn’t see this happening in eighth grade, but by junior and senior year in high school, I remember thinking, ‘This could be something special,’ ” Moore said.

“The three of us definitely work well together. Any time I penetrate and get help, I dump it down to JJ. Or, if I’m driving and Rob is open, I kick it to him for a 3-pointer. We complement each other well.”

Even before Moore and Hummel became friends, Moore and Johnson were spending time together.

“I met E’Twaun in seventh grade,” Johnson said.

“I saw him a lot through AAU, recruiting trips and things like that. He came over to my house in high school, and we hung out.

We would talk on the phone.

“I really got to know Rob during my sophomore year in high school. I got to know him playing AAU ball, and then we both were recruited by Purdue. From there, we started seeing each other here and there.”

During the spring and summer after their high school junior years, all four accepted scholarship offers to play at Purdue.

Johnson was first. Moore was second. Then it was Hummel, and Martin was last.

Martin never was comfortable at Purdue, but Moore, Johnson and Hum-

mel have parlayed their eighth-grade AAU experience into a lasting friendship.

“Rob and I always talked about the possibility of going to Purdue together,” Moore said. “We had interest from some of the same schools. We had a few conversations about Purdue.

We could see that each of us could help make the other better.

“We’ve never had a problem with each other. If we would have a problem, we would communicate and help each other. We came in together. We just really wanted to leave together, too.”

Hummel is devastated by his second knee injury but wouldn’t trade the opportunity he has had to play with Moore and Johnson.

“I saw we could play together, and we had so much success in AAU,” Hummel said. “We played so well together and got along so well that we said, ‘Why not?’ That’s what has made us so successful. We’ve all been willing to share the shots.

“If we played on a lesser team, we all could shoot more, but that’s not what any of us really wanted. We want to win. I’m definitely thrilled that we all were able to come here. Me and E’Twaun were really good friends before this. Now all three of us have a special relationship.”

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Journal & Courier • www.jconline.com

PURDUE BASKETBALL 2010-2011

Jackson, Barlow will point the way

By JEFF WASHBURN jwashburn@jconline.com

One is 6-foot-5. The other is 5-9.

One is extremely quick.

The other’s leaping ability is eye-opening.

One speaks slowly and selects his words carefully.

The other loves to share his opinions.

Purdue point guards Kelsey Barlow — the tall one — and Lewis Jackson — the small one — bring contrasting dimensions to the offense and defense.

However, the collective outcome usually is desirable.

Jackson, who missed last season’s first 19 games because of a foot injury, returned in January to help produce a 13-3 record, including eight victories in his first eight games.

Barlow was a redshirt candidate until Jackson was injured just before the regular-season opener.

Barlow made 11 starts at the point and was solid in a 14-game winning streak to begin the season.

Neither will play close to 40 minutes a game, but the two-man point guard rotation will create difficult adjustments for most opponents, Jackson said.

“If you look at Duke, Villanova — any great program — they have great guards that complement each other,” Jackson said.

“With Kelsey and me, we can add a dimension.

It’s not just about knocking down shots. With the skills we both have, (point guard) can be something special for this team.”

For Barlow, last season was a period of adjustment.

As a senior at Cathedral, Barlow played both guard positions and both forward slots.

“Last year, everything was new,” Barlow said.

“Even though I have played the game for so long, this is a whole different level and a different kind of competition.

“It’s nice having that behind me. I already know

By Michael Heinz/Journal & Courier

Junior Lewis Jackson (above) and sophomore Kelsey Barlow (left) are expected to share the point guard role.

what is up, so it’s going to be a strength this season.”

Coach Matt Painter said Barlow’s ability to step in when Jackson was injured filled a key void.

“Kelsey did a great job,” Painter said. “When we watched him in high school, we thought he really fit with us. He gives us a high level of athleticism.

He was on the all-freshman team from a team that won the league.

“You look at him, and he looks like a wing, but he is good with the basketball.

He is a better on-the-ball defender than he is away from the ball. If he can make those improvements, he could be a shutdown guy on the wing.”

Jackson produced 55 assists and had only 15 turnovers last season but had

just five steals in 309 minutes. Jackson also intends to improve on his 2.4-point scoring average.

“I need to be more aggressive,” Jackson said.

“With the seniors we have, those guys score the ball a lot. Sometimes in the past, I think I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes.

“But now, if I take open shots when I’ve got them, that will make the defense respect me more. If they know I can score the ball, it will help (JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore) more.

I can’t defer to them all the time. If I take my shot, those guys will know I’m doing what is best for the team. I still will get the ball to them.”

Barlow shot a respectable 44.2 percent from the field, but a large percentage

of his 46 field goals were dunks or layups. He was 0for-5 from 3-point range.

“I definitely have to make the open shots,” Barlow said. “Defensively, I have to get better off the ball and

play with the angles of the court. I have to guard better off the ball. I’m looking forward to doing that.”

Jackson and Barlow share a passion for playing defense.

“I think it’s where I’m from,” Jackson said. “Playing on TV night in and night out, I don’t want to be that guy that gets exposed.

I don’t want people to say, ‘He is the weak link.’

“We take so much pride on not getting beat one-onone. Coming here, there is so much defensive pride. I fit right in with trying to be aggressive.”

Jackson said his surgically repaired foot feels good. Now his goal is to get his body in top shape.

Considering there is a more mature pulse to Barlow’s game, Jackson knows he must match his taller teammate’s effort.

“Kelsey is coming in and taking shots, trying to play better,” Jackson said. “He is trying to learn the game.

“Him being around all these guys, he knows he has that potential. That may be the thing that woke him up.

It stuck in his head.”

Painter is comfortable with Purdue’s point guard options.

“Any time you can have two quality guys like Lewis and Kelsey that have a high level of athleticism, you wear the other team’s point guard down,” Painter said.

“I like that tandem.

“That doesn’t mean Kelsey Barlow doesn’t play other positions. Lewis has improved his shooting. We will see if that translates into games. You can’t play guys that can’t knock down a 17-footer.”

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Sunday, November 14, 2010 7

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Journal & Courier • www.jconline.com

PURDUE BASKETBALL 2010-2011

Photos by Michael Heinz/Journal & Courier

Sophomore Patrick Bade (left) and redshirt freshman Sandi Marcius (right) — who missed last season with a foot injury — will be counted on to improve Purdue’s rebounding.

Rebounding meltdown In the eight games Purdue played last season after Robbie Hummel’s season-ending knee injury, the Boilermakers were outrebounded by an average of 11 per game (41.5-30.5): Opponent Purdue Michigan State 46 20 Indiana 36 28 Penn State 29 30 Northwestern 33 36 Minnesota 50 26 Siena 45 38 Texas A&M 45 39 Duke 48 27 Totals 332 244 Purdue was 5-3 in the eight games without Hummel.

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Boilers aim to clear the glass

By JEFF WASHBURN jwashburn@jconline.com

When Robbie Hummel suffered a season-ending right knee injury in the 27th game of Purdue’s 2009-10 season, the Boilermakers were plus-33 in rebounding.

In the eight games during which the 6-foot-8 Hummel was sidelined, opponents dominated the glass, outrebounding the Boilermakers by an average of 11 a game.

Now that Hummel is lost for the season with another knee injury, Purdue has dedicated itself to becoming a better rebounding team.

“We understand that we have to rebound the ball to beat teams,” sophomore guard/forward DJ Byrd said.

“We’ve taken it seriously, but this year, we really will focus on pursuing the ball offensively and defensively.

We want to get to the right spot at the right time.”

That is something Michigan State does as well as any team in the nation.

Last season, the Final Four participant outrebounded foes by 8.5 a game, leading the Big Ten in that category.

Junior forward Draymond Green, who averaged 7.7 rebounds a game, said the Spartans’ prowess on the boards is no accident.

“We focus on rebounding year in and year out,” Green said. “Rebounding is a key to winning. Sometimes

shots don’t fall. Sometimes you have turnovers. But you always can go to the boards.”

MSU coach Tom Izzo uses what is known as the “war drill” in each practice. The drill, according to Green, sometimes draws blood.

“We do the ‘war drill’ for 10 or 15 minutes every day, even when we are doing a walkthrough,” Green said.

“It gives us a mindset that we have to go to the boards every day. Even if I don’t get that rebound, I may get a deflection so that one of my teammates will get it.”

Green said if Purdue wants to improve its rebounding, it has to develop a mindset.

“It has to be a collective thing,” Green said. “Coach Izzo makes sure the guards and the big men are rebounding.

“Our coaches say that we need to gang rebound.

That means having four or five players around the ball each time it comes off the rim.”

A key to improved rebounding for the Boilermakers could be 6-8, 229pound sophomore forward Patrick Bade, who averaged only 1.6 boards last season.

Bade is bigger, stronger and healthier after shedding 20 pounds.

“It’s because of the way I worked in the offseason,” Bade said. “It all started with my diet. I started eating healthier. I started running a lot more. I’m in a lot better shape than I was

last year. I’m able to get up a little higher and be more athletic.”

When Bade arrived at Purdue, his menu — by choice — was limited.

“I was never really a junk-food guy, but I was all meat and potatoes,” Bade said. “Give me a steak, and I would be one happy camper.

I’ve added fruit and salad.

Before, I never ate salad.

“They say your taste buds change once you get to college. I’ve learned to like more things. I’ve lost body fat, which has helped.”

By shedding body fat, Bade is better equipped to take the pounding that occurs in most Big Ten Conference games. He believes that will translate into more rebounds.

“I think I’m able to play more physical,” Bade said.

“I’ve gotten acclimated to playing and have gotten the jitters out. I’ve also learned how to play physical without fouling.

“That was one of the biggest problems last year for all the freshmen. We were trying to play physical, but we kept fouling.”

Boilermaker center JaJuan Johnson, who averaged a team-best 7.1 rebounds last season, has noticed Bade’s improvement.

“He definitely made a lot of strides this summer,” Johnson said. “Especially with his body, he is in a lot better shape. He has a grasp of what is going on.

“He has slowed down and gotten into the swing of things. I went through

it. Pat definitely has come along.”

Johnson would like to average 15 or 20 rebounds a game. He knows that’s almost impossible.

Like coach Matt Painter, Johnson is eager to see if Bade, freshman center Travis Carroll and redshirt freshman center Sandi Marcius collectively help Purdue compensate for the loss of Hummel’s rebounding skills.

“That’s going to be really important,” Johnson said.

“It starts in practice. We have to challenge each other and make each other go a little harder. It’s definitely a mindset thing.

“I’m making more of a conscious effort to really get at the glass and be more physical and embrace all that comes with rebounding. I especially can push those other guys to improve in that area.”

Because Bade, Carroll and Marcius understand how important rebounding is to Purdue’s success, Painter anticipates great practice battles.

“That’s part of the healthy competition,” Painter said.

“We need a guy to come off the bench on that front line and rebound consistently and be physical.

Carroll and Marcius “can kind of be those old-school, Big Ten-type posts. They can be bangers and just play that role. The last two years, our (NCAA tournament) exits have been teams that just dominated us on the glass.”

Sunday, November 14, 2010 9

www.jconline.com • Journal & Courier

PURDUE BASKETBALL 2010-2011

Photos by Michael Heinz/Journal & Courier

DJ Byrd (left) came on strong at the end of last season, averaging 6.5 points in the postseason. John Hart (right) will be counted on for his versatility.

Trio gives Painter lots of options on perimeter

By JEFF WASHBURN jwashburn@jconline.com

If they were musicians, the Purdue trio of Ryne Smith, John Hart and DJ Byrd could be known as “The Missing Pieces.”

Junior guard Smith, redshirt sophomore guard Hart and sophomore guard/forward Byrd each could play his way into the starting lineup.

Or, each could be a valuable off-the-bench contributor, providing scoring, defense and rebounding.

Byrd, the former North Montgomery standout, averaged 6.5 points during the postseason after averaging only 2.6 overall.

“We’ve got more guys this season,” Byrd said of the competition for playing time. “We have more talent.

That’s why it is so competitive. Everyone will have to play hard. That’s when you determine playing time.

“I think I’m better just in understanding the game.

During my freshman year, I learned a lot about understanding the game.

That’s what I took out of it. I learned when to drive, when to make the right pass and when to shoot.

I’m still learning. Learning every day and trying to get better is a big thing.”

By Michael Heinz/Journal & Courier

Ryne Smith is a gifted shooter from 3-point range.

Smith also averaged 2.6 points. He started a January victory at Illinois and made a pair of 3-pointers in an NCAA tournament victory against Siena.

With Robbie Hummel sidelined for the season, Smith said he, Byrd and Hart must be more versatile than ever.

“The roles change a little bit,” Smith said. “When you lose a guy like Rob, you can’t really replace a guy that is that good. We have to step up and be more consistent than we were last year.

2009-10 Big Ten standings Purdue 14-4 29-6 Ohio State 14-4 29-8 Michigan State 14-4 28-9 Wisconsin 13-5 24-9 Illinois 10-8 21-15 Minnesota 9-9 21-14 Northwestern 7-11 20-14 Michigan 7-11 15-17 Indiana 4-14 10-21 Iowa 4-14 10-22 Penn State 3-15 11-20

“We hit a lull in the middle of the season. We got a little comfortable with how we were playing when we were 14-0. We can’t let that happen. We have to stay on edge.”

For Smith, scoring can’t be the ultimate goal, although he is known as a gifted 3-point shooter.

“The main thing is being able to defend and being able to rebound, especially having a 6-8 guy taken out of our mix,” Smith said.

“We have to make sure we get on the glass.”

Hart, who hadn’t played in almost a month when he came off the bench at Illinois to score a career-best 14 points, is eager to fill in wherever and whenever he is needed.

“With Rob being out, there are hard shoes to fill,” Hart said. “The most important thing is rebounding. If me, Ryne and DJ come out and play defense and rebound, we should be pretty good.”

Hart said the trio that includes Byrd and Smith gives coach Matt Painter different options.

“Ryne is a sharpshooter,” Hart said. “DJ can play defense real well. I can shoot pretty well, too. So can DJ. The three of us can fill different positions.

“Us having three different players for a position is real good. We each bring different things to the table on any given night.”

Painter likes not only the versatility Hart, Byrd and Smith bring but also the experience of playing in big games.

“Ryne Smith and John Hart have been in our program for three years,” Painter said. “They understand the best.

“Terone Johnson and Anthony Johnson will give us athleticism at that spot,

Big Ten tournament Semifinals First round Ohio State 88, Illinois 81 (2OT) Michigan 59, Iowa 52 Minnesota 69, Purdue 42 Northwestern 73, Indiana 58 Championship Minnesota 76, Penn State 55 Ohio State 90, Minnesota 61 Quarterfinals Ohio State 69, Michigan 68 Illinois 58, Wisconsin 54 Purdue 69, Northwestern 61 Minnesota 72, Michigan State 67 (OT)

but they are freshmen.”

Painter is eager to watch the competitive fire with which he hopes Byrd, Smith and Hart play in practice and in games.

“Obviously, we have some established seniors,” Painter said. Referring to members of the media, he said, “You have questions

about those other pieces.

You asked me a lot of questions, and I have the same questions.

“It comes out through time. Once you get into the games, you really can see who has made strides in the summer and who can do it when the popcorn is turning.”

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10 Sunday, November 14, 2010

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PURDUE BASKETBALL 2010-2011

5

5

Photos by Michael Heinz/Journal & Courier

Terone Johnson (left) led Indianapolis North Central to a state championship last season. Anthony Johnson (right) led Chicago’s Whitney Young to a state title as a junior.

1. I’m a good rapper. I love Lil Wayne.

2. I play a lot of NBA 2K11, but I only play with Michael Things Jordan or LeBron James. you 3. I like cars, especially new cars. My favorite is a Bugatti. didn’t It’s like a $1.7 million car. know 4. I love to eat my mom’s cooking, especially her lasagna. about 5. I like watching professional boxing, just because it’s Terone Johnson: crazy how long they can stay in the ring. They get tired, but they’re still in there punching. My favorite is Floyd Mayweather.

Things you didn’t know about Anthony Johnson:

1. I wore jersey No. 24 in high school because my favorite basketball player has been Kobe Bryant.

2. When I’m home, I look forward to sitting down for some of my dad’s homemade tacos. I just love them.

3. I enjoy cartoons. My favorite is Family Guy. 4. I’m a shoe freak. I probably have more than 100 pairs. I have all different kinds, but mostly the sporty stuff — Jordan’s, retros.

5. I pray before every game. It’s something I’ve been doing since high school.

Talented freshmen will contribute

Johnsons give backcourt a boost; Carroll should help beef up inside game

By JEFF WASHBURN jwashburn@jconline.com

There’s nothing shy about the Purdue basketball team’s freshman class.

Terone Johnson and Anthony Johnson are state championship -winning shooting guards, and 6foot-10 center Travis Carroll has an aggressive approach to offense.

“I definitely feel ready,” said Terone Johnson, who led Indianapolis North Central to Indiana’s 2010 Class 4A state title. “Part of my decision to come here was to come in and be ready to play.

“I just have to learn a lot of things, which is easy from the three seniors we have. The transition definitely is defensively. In high school, we played defense a lot different than what we play now. There’s a lot more things I have to do now.”

North Central coach Doug Mitchell, who appreciates tenacious defense, told Johnson if he selected Purdue he would be required to focus on stopping the opponent.

“In high school, defense was about taking care of just your man,” Johnson said. “If you’ve got the man in front of you, you guard him. Here, we help each other. We have to be on our line in order to help each other.

“Coach Mitchell definitely helped prepare me defensively. He would make me guard the best player on each team every game. I think that helped me a lot.”

Selected the Indianapolis Star’s Super Team and Marion County Player of the Year in each of the past two years, Johnson understands he must let the game come to him.

“Our offense is equal chance,” said Johnson, who averaged 21.5 points as a senior. “You have a drive, or you don’t. You have a cut,

or you don’t.

“We have the two main scorers in JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore, but other than that, there are chances.”

Junior guard Ryne Smith has been impressed with each of the three freshmen.

“Terone has been great,” Smith said. “This whole freshman class is the best since I’ve been here, including my class. They’ve all worked hard through conditioning and through the first few weeks of practice.

“Terone is a great scorer.

He has a lot to learn defensively, but he is going to do that. He is going to be good for us this season.”

Coach Matt Painter likes Terone Johnson’s variety of skills but is seeking improved offensive decisionmaking.

“Terone is a talented guard,” Painter said. “He can score in a lot of different ways. He has to understand when he has angles and numbers and when he doesn’t.

“It’s something he has to work through. He has that crow hop into that shovel (shot) that E’Twaun has.

That’s what he has to use when a defense is set.”

Rivals.com’s No. 25 shooting guard nationally in the high class of 2010, Anthony Johnson led Chicago Whitney Young to Illinois’ big-school state championship in 2009 and to a second-place finish last season.

“For me, the biggest difference from high school is the intensity,” he said. “In high school, it wasn’t as intense every hour, every day.

Even in watching film, it wasn’t as intense. Now you can’t take any days off.

“From a defensive standpoint, I have to adjust to playing off the ball. I’m OK on the ball, but off the ball, I’m trying to get the hang of things. In high school, I was glued to my man. I have to learn when to get

5

much too quick,” Carroll said. “When I lost it all, I felt like I was moving a Things lot better. Now I’m in the you weight room trying to gain didn’t good weight.” know Like his classmates, Carabout roll is attempting to become Travis a better defender.

Carroll: “The big adjustment has been defense,” Carroll said.

1. My favorite bas“In high school, I was bigketball player is Dirk ger than everybody. I didn’t Nowitzki of the NBA’s have to focus on defense as Dallas Mavericks. much. Now that I’m here, 2. My favorite Xbox coach Painter focuses on game is NBA 2K11. defense. That’s something 3. My favorite actor that wins games in the Big is Will Ferrell.

Ten. 4. My favorite “There’s always things I vacation spot is Puerto can improve, but I feel like Vallarta, Mexico.

I’m ready. I feel the coach5. My favorite food es have done a good job getis lasagna. ting me ready. JaJuan and Rob (Hummel) have really helped me. I try to keep improving every day.”

Painter wants to see Carroll assert his size.

“Travis has to learn to use his body more,” Painter said. “He is a physical guy.

He is a jump shooter at this

By Michael Heinz/Journal & Courier point in his career.

Travis Carroll has a jump shot to go with his inside game.

“He has to keep angles in the post. We need him to be as physical as possible, be a into my guy and when to have that I do have. It gives down to 230.

“I was trying to gain rebounder and make smart slip through a pick. It’s a me another weapon.”

Carroll reported to school weight, and I gained too plays on the offensive end.” huge transition here.”

Painter likes Johnson’s weighing 247 pounds. He is potential to provide instant offense.

“Anthony is a talented kid that can score the basketball,” Painter said. “He Go mobile. has been taking contested shots.

Sign up for text alerts with 4INFO. “That’s what he is going to have to work on in terms Bookmark of the shot clock and who jconline from he is with out on the court. your iPhone and get your own Sometimes, he will get J&C app. more freedom. He also has the ability to rebound.”

Johnson is eager to provide scoring off the bench.

“I have no fear. Coach Painter recruited me knowing that I am a scorer. It’s something I do well. He wants me to be aggressive.

I can’t be timid or scared.”

Carroll averaged 19.6 points in leading Danville to the No. 1 ranking in Class 3A and the second regional Keep up with J&C reporters title in school history. and staff on Twitter and He is a big man who can Facebook. Get to know us, face the basket and score join the conversation, receive with a soft jumper. news when it happens, “The coaches are always and more! telling me to keep working on that shot,” Carroll said.

“That’s something we don’t

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Sunday, November 14, 2010 11

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PURDUE BASKETBALL 2010-2011 No. 25 JaJuan Johnson Height: 6-10 Weight: 221 Pos: Forward/center Year: Senior Hometown: Indianapolis High School: Franklin Central Last season: Played in all 35 games, started 34 ... averaged 15.5 points, team-high 7.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks Career highs: 30 points vs. Ohio State on Feb. 3, 2009 ... 15 rebounds vs. Illinois on Dec. 30, 2008, and vs. Siena on March 19, 2010 ... 7 blocks vs. Northwestern on Jan. 15, 2009, and vs. Siena on March 19, 2010 Major: Organizational leadership and supervision

No. 23 Lewis Jackson

No. 33 E’Twaun Moore Height: 6-4 Weight: 191 Pos: Guard Year: Senior Hometown: East Chicago Hometown: East Chicago Last season: Started all 35 games ... averaged team-high 16.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists ... also had team-high 93 assists Career highs: 28 points vs. Northwestern on Feb. 19, 2008 and March 12, 2010 ... 11 rebounds vs. Northwestern on Jan. 15, 2009 ... 7 assists vs. Boston College on Nov. 26, 2008 Major: Organizational leadership and supervision

No. 12 Kelsey Barlow Height: 6-5 Weight: 193 Pos: Guard Year: Sophomore Hometown: Indianapolis High School: Cathedral Last season: Played in all 35 games, started 11 ... averaged 3.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 16.0 minutes Career highs: 12 points vs. Illinois on Jan. 19, 2010 ...

8 rebounds vs. Buffalo on Dec. 5, 2009 ... 6 assists vs.

Buffalo on Dec. 5, 2009 Major: Communications

No. 41 Patrick Bade Height: 6-8 Weight: 229 Pos: Forward Year: Sophomore Hometown: Indianapolis High School: Franklin Central Last season: Played in all 35 games, started 1 ... averaged 1.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.3 minutes Career highs: 10 points vs. SIU-Edwardsville on Dec. 22, 2009 ... 9 rebounds vs. Cal State Northridge on Nov. 13, 2009.

Major: Industrial management

No. 21 DJ Byrd Height: 6-5 Weight: 225 Pos: Guard/forward Year: Sophomore Hometown: Crawfordsville High School: North Montgomery Last season: Played in 29 games ... averaged 2.6 points, 0.8 rebounds in 9.4 minutes Career highs: 13 points vs. Cal State Northridge on Nov. 13, 2009 ... 6 rebounds vs. South Dakota State on Nov. 20, 2009 Major: Organizational leadership and supervision

No. 55 Sandi Marcius Height: 6-9 Weight: 257 Pos: Forward Year: Freshman Hometown: Nedelisce, Croatia High School: La Lumiere Last season: Redshirted after injuring his foot in preseason practice In high school: Averaged 15 points, 15 rebounds and 7.0 blocks during his senior season at La Lumiere, which finished 14-5 in 2009 Major: Engineering

No. 0 Terone Johnson

No. 24 Ryne Smith

Height: 6-2 Weight: 211 Pos: Guard Year: Freshman Hometown: Indianapolis High School: North Central In high school: Averaged 21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists during his senior season at North Central, which finished 25-3 and won the Class 4A state championship Major: Organizational leadership and supervision

Height: 6-3 Weight: 190 Pos: Guard Year: Junior Hometown: Toledo, Ohio High School: Whitmer Last season: Played in 31 games, started 1 ... averaged 2.6 points and 1.0 rebounds in 12.2 minutes Career highs: 16 points vs. St. Joseph’s on Nov. 22, 2009 ... 4 rebounds vs. Buffalo on Dec. 5, 2009 and vs.

West Virginia on Jan. 1, 2010 Major: Communications

No. 1 Anthony Johnson Height: 6-3 Weight: 175 Pos: Guard Year: Freshman Hometown: Chicago High school: Whitney Young In high school: Averaged 16.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists during his senior season at Whitney Young, which finished 23-7 Major: Organizational leadership and supervision

No. 32 John Hart Height: 6-2 Weight: 196 Pos: Guard Year: Sophomore Hometown: Beech Grove High School: Beech Grove Last season: Played in 24 games ... averaged 2.4 points, 1.0 rebounds in 10.3 minutes Career highs: 14 points vs. Illinois on Jan. 19, 2010 ...

3 rebounds vs. Indiana on Feb. 4, 2010, and vs. Minnesota on Feb. 24, 2010 Major: Organizational leadership and supervision

No. 4 Robbie Hummel Height: 6-8 Weight: 228 Pos: Forward Year: Senior Hometown: Valparaiso High School: Valparaiso Last season: Started 27 games before suffering season-ending knee injury ... averaged 15.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks Career highs: 35 points vs. Ohio State on Jan. 12, 2010 ... 14 rebounds vs. Davidson Dec. 20, 2008 ... 7 assists vs. Ball State on Dec. 5, 2007 Major: Management

Height: 5-9 Weight: 165 Pos: Guard Year: Junior Hometown: Decatur, Ill. High School: Eisenhower Last season: Played in 16 games, started 7 ... averaged 2.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists ... missed first 19 games after injuring foot in preseason practice Career highs: 12 points vs. Minnesota on Jan. 22, 2009, and vs. Illinois on Feb. 8, 2009 ... 6 rebounds vs.

Illinois on Feb. 8, 2009, vs. Michigan State on Feb. 17, 2009, and vs. Siena on March 19, 2010 ... 9 assists vs.

Ohio State on Feb. 3, 2009, and vs. Siena on March 19, 2010 Major: Organizational leadership and supervision

No. 50 Travis Carroll

Coach Matt Painter Age: 40 Hometown: Muncie High School: Delta College: Purdue (1989-93) Hired at Purdue: April 9, 2004, as associate head coach under Gene Keady. Became head coach on April 1, 2005.

Record at Purdue: 112-56 (five seasons) Overall record: 137-61 (six seasons)

Painter at Purdue Year 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 Totals

Overall 9-19 22-12 25-9 27-10 29-6 112-56

Big Ten 3-13 (11th) 9-7 (4th) 15-3 (2nd) 11-7 (2nd) 14-4 (1st) 52-34

NCAA tournament — 2nd round 2nd round Sweet 16 Sweet 16

Coaching experience 1993-94 — Assistant coach at Washington & Jefferson 1994-95 — Assistant coach at Barton College 1995-98 — Assistant coach at Eastern Illinois 1998-2003 — Assistant coach at Southern Illinois 2003-04 — Head coach at Southern Illinois 2004-05 — Associate head coach at Purdue 2005-present — Head coach at Purdue

Height: 6-9 Weight: 230 Pos: Forward Year: Freshman Hometown: Danville High School: Danville In high school: Averaged 19.6 points, 12.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks during his senior season at Danville, which finished 25-2 Major: Organizational leadership and supervision

No. 2 Bubba Day Height: 6-0 Weight: 185 Pos: Guard Year: Junior Hometown: West Lafayette High School: West Lafayette Last season: Played in seven games ... averaged 0.4 points Career highs: 3 points vs. Buffalo on Dec. 5, 2009 Major: Management

No. 14 Dru Anthrop Height: 6-0 Weight: 175 Pos: Guard Year: Sophomore Hometown: West Lafayette High School: Central Catholic Last season: Played in eight games ... averaged 0.5 points and 0.3 rebounds Career highs: 2 points vs. Cal State Northridge on Nov. 13, 2009, and vs. Buffalo on Dec. 5, 2009 ... 1 rebound vs. St. Joseph’s on Nov. 22, 2009, and vs. Minnesota on March 13, 2010.

Major: Management

12 Sunday, November 14, 2010

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PURDUE BASKETBALL 2010-2011

Boilers will enjoy success considering limitations Two potential pros. A gritty passion for playing defense. Depth and versatility at the all-important point guard position.

At first glance, this looks like a strong foundation for a Purdue men’s basketball team that should compete for a Big Ten Conference championship and a deep NCAA tournament run.

Problem is, the player who, as coach Matt Painter likes to say “completes us,” will be watching from the sidelines as the Boilermakers redefine themselves without Robbie Hummel.

Until the morning of Oct. 16, this was the season — the year Purdue fans anticipated a Final Four trip for the first time since 1980, when center Joe Barry Carroll was the main man.

During Purdue’s second practice, while participating in a basic defensive drill, Hummel tore his right anterior cruciate ligament for the second time in eight months.

With JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore, Hummel gave the Boilermakers the necessary elements to play in Houston’s Reliant Stadium during the first week in April.

Former Purdue coach Gene Keady often said a Final Four team really needs three players with professional ability. In Johnson, Moore and Hummel, Painter had three pros and a strong supporting cast.

With Lewis Jackson and

Chicago Sun-Times preseason poll Compiled by college basketball writer Herb Gould, the Chicago SunTimes polled one beat writer from each the Big Ten’s 11 men’s basketball programs. Here is their predicted order of finish: 1. Michigan State 2. Ohio State 3. Illinois 4. Purdue 5. Wisconsin T6. Minnesota T6. Northwestern 8. Indiana 9. Penn State 10. Michigan 11. Iowa

Columnist ◆◆◆

Jeff Washburn

defensive nightmare for opponents.

With Hummel on the floor, Moore and Johnson get all kinds of open looks at the basket.

Without him on the floor, defenses will attempt to make life miserable for Moore and Johnson, likely daring Jackson, Barlow, Patrick Bade and others to beat them.

Ryne Smith, DJ Byrd, John Hart, Terone Johnson and Anthony Johnson will need to be productive offensively if Purdue Kelsey Barlow, Purdue has has any hope of replacing a nice platoon system at Hummel’s versatility. the point.

The Hummel injury The Boilermakers’ also raises a red flag in willingness to play man-to- rebounding. He missed man defense will keep it in the final eight games last most games. season and the BoilermakThis remains an excelers were outrebounded lent basketball team, one six times. Michigan State certainly capable of at least pounded Purdue 46-20 on 24 or 25 regular-season the glass in the first game victories and the potential without Hummel. to advance through the Expecting Bade, freshfirst weekend of the NCAA man center Travis Carroll tournament. and redshirt freshman However, without Hum- Sandi Marcius to pick up mel, the Boilermakers have the rebounding void may several notable flaws. be asking too much, espeWhen Hummel was cially against quicker, more sidelined last season with a athletic big men. torn ACL, Purdue was 24If Purdue is consistently 3. After his season ended, outrebounded, its man-tothe Boilermakers went 5-3. man defense must produce Hummel’s presence more turnovers to make up creates nearly perfect for the possessions lost in offensive spacing and is a rebounding.

Because so much attention has been centered on the Hummel injury, it’s easy to overlook how much Purdue will miss Chris Kramer and the pure will to win he provided every time he slipped into a uniform.

As Painter said recently, no one in college basketball last season was a Kramer clone. Not even close.

In a regular-season victory at Alabama, and in an NCAA tournament second-round victory against Texas A&M, it was

Kramer — not Hummel, Moore or Johnson — who put his team on his back and refused to lose.

There’s no Chris Kramer on this Purdue team, or on any roster in America, frankly.

With a relatively easy non-conference schedule — dates at Virginia Tech and West Virginia will be tough — it may be late January before we learn how good this team can be.

Don’t get me wrong. It is a very good team. Most years, Purdue fans would be more than thrilled with

its potential.

But when most fans’ motto was “Final Four or Bust,” moving in that direction will be difficult without the man who can no longer complete this team.

Washburn covers Purdue men’s basketball for the Journal & Courier. He can be reached via e-mail at jwashburn@jconline.com or follow him at twitter. com/JeffWashburnJC

Sunday, November 14, 2010 13

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PURDUE BASKETBALL 2010-2011 A look at the four teams favored to win the Big Ten MICHIGAN STATE

2009-2010 — 28-9 (lost to Butler 5250 in the NCAA tournament Final Four semifinals).

Big Ten finish — 14-4, tied for first with Ohio State and Purdue.

Returning starters — Kalin Lucas (senior guard), Durrell Summers (senior guard), Delvon Roe (junior forward).

Top newcomer — Keith Appling (freshman guard).

Strengths — Under coach Tom Izzo, the Spartans have made six Final Four appearances in 12 seasons and almost always play their best at season’s end. They have a Big Ten Player of the Year candidate in Lucas and are one of the best rebounding teams in Division I, let alone the Big Ten. Weaknesses — While they are few and far between, MSU does have flaws, including free throw shooting. The Spartans shot only 68.5 percent from the line. MSU also had more turnovers (514) than its opponents (459) last season.

Outlook — With three returning starters and super sixth-man Draymond Green, Izzo’s Spartans will enter the Big Ten season as the team to beat.

OHIO STATE

2009-2010 — 29-8 (lost to Tennessee 76-73 in the NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen).

Big Ten finish — 14-4, tied for first with Michigan State and Purdue.

Returning starters — David Lighty (senior forward), Dallas Lauderdale (senior center), William Buford (junior guard), Jon Diebler (senior guard) Top newcomer — Jared Sullinger (freshman forward).

Strengths — The Buckeyes can shoot the basketball, led by Diebler, who made 116 shots from 3-point range last season, converting 42 percent of his long-distance shots. Buford is the leading returning scorer at 14.4. Ohio State shot 49.2 percent from the field last season, including 39 percent from beyond the arc.

Weaknesses — Ohio State averaged only 33.4 rebounds last season.

Outlook — While Evan Turner bypassed his senior year for the NBA, Ohio State still is loaded and has a terrific freshman class, led by Sullinger. If anybody can jump past Michigan State, it’s probably the Buckeyes — if they rebound.

PURDUE

2009-2010 — 29-6 (lost to national champion Duke 70-57 in the NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen).

Big Ten finish — 14-4, tied for first with Michigan State and Ohio State.

Returning starters — JaJuan Johnson (senior center/forward), E’Twaun Moore (senior guard), Lewis Jackson (junior guard).

Top newcomer — Terone Johnson (freshman guard).

Strengths — In JaJuan Johnson and Moore, Purdue has two Preseason All-Big Ten first-team selections who have helped the Boilermakers average 27 victories in their first three seasons. The Boilermakers are deep at point guard.

Weaknesses — With Robbie Hummel sidelined for the season, Purdue may struggle to be a consistent rebounding team.

Outlook — Without Hummel, it will be difficult for Purdue to catch Michigan State and Ohio State, but if the Boilermaker big men help JaJuan Johnson, third place in the Big Ten is a realistic goal, possibly second if everything falls into place.

ILLINOIS

2009-2010 — 21-15 (lost to Dayton 7771 in the NIT’s third round).

Big Ten finish — 10-8, fifth.

Returning starters — Mike Davis (senior forward), Bill Cole (senior forward), Mike Tisdale (senior center), D.J. Richardson (sophomore guard), Demetri McCamey (senior guard).

Top newcomer — Jereme Richmond (freshman forward).

Strengths — Illinois returns the top seven players from last season, including 89.4 percent of its points, 79 percent of its rebounds and 85 percent of its minutes played. McCamey is the nation’s leading returning assist man (7.0 avg.), and Davis led the Big Ten in rebounding (9.2).

Weaknesses — The Illini struggled to stop anyone last season, which led to a 4-7 finish, including missing the NCAA tournament. McCamey also struggles with consistency.

Outlook — If experience is enough, Illinois could challenge Michigan State, Ohio State and Purdue. The Illini could be an excellent rebounding team if Tisdale and Davis play to their potential.

Big Ten analysts warn against counting out Purdue

By JEFF WASHBURN jwashburn@jconline.com

Pride and culture.

According to ESPN college basketball analyst Dan Dakich, those intangibles — along with standout seniors JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore — will give 14th-ranked Purdue a realistic opportunity to win the Big Ten regular-season championship.

Dakich, a former Indiana University player who coached at Bowling Green and IU, won’t count the Boilermakers out despite losing 6-foot-8 forward Robbie Hummel with a season-ending knee injury.

Second-ranked Michigan State, fourth-ranked Ohio State and No. 13 Illinois, along with Purdue, give the Big Ten a power base similar to the early 1990s.

During that era, Michigan featured the so-called Fab Five. Purdue had Glenn Robinson, Ohio State had Jimmy Jackson, Michigan State had Shawn Respert and Steve Smith, and IU had Damon Bailey and Calbert Cheaney.

“I went to a Purdue practice recently, and the thing I always talk about is culture and pride,” Dakich said.

“The culture of Purdue right now is pride.

“At Purdue it’s, ‘I’m here because I’m a good player, but I’m also here because I’m a tough guy, and I buy in.’ ” With Hummel sidelined, sophomore DJ Byrd, according to Dakich, becomes an extremely important piece in Purdue’s quest for a Big Ten title.

“When you run a motion offense, the No. 1 guy in that offense is a versatile (power forward) who you can do things with,” Dakich said. “It’s first and foremost what you recruit to. Not having Robbie is huge from that standpoint.

“So, who can replace that? DJ can replace that versatility. Is he as good?

No. But he can maintain the comfort level of JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore in that offense because the (power forward) is the guy that creates the comfort level.”

As Dakich looks at Purdue, he has two other areas of concern.

“Rebounding was a concern two years ago when they had everybody. The other concern is who replaces Chris Kramer?”

Jackson, now a member of the Big Ten Network’s team of analysts, believes Purdue will be in the title hunt because of Johnson

and Moore.

“The best thing about the Big Ten this season is that you have juniors and seniors who have been around,” Jackson said. “You have that experience there.

There are one and out college players, but the Big Ten’s core group is back.”

Stephen Bardo, a Big Ten Network analyst who played at Illinois, agrees that Michigan State, Ohio State, Illinois and Purdue should lead the way, but he also likes Wisconsin, Minnesota and Northwestern.

“You’re looking at seven teams that probably should be a lock, including Northwestern, for the NCAA tournament,” Bardo said.

“Michigan (Manny Harris) is the only school that lost a lot of scoring and depth, except for Evan Turner at Ohio State. When you look at the depth and the coaching in the conference, it’s tremendous.”

Big Ten Network broadcaster Shon Morris, who played at Northwestern, said it’s no accident the Big Ten is loaded.

“You can go on down the line with teams, and they have experience,” Morris said. “Everyone has blemishes, but the league is very good and very deep.

“It’s going to be the team

that can go on the road and win a couple of games that is the difference between finishing first or fourth.”

Because it has Moore, Dakich believes Purdue is one of those teams that may be able to go on the road and win big games.

The Boilermakers were 7-2 last season in Big Ten

road games, winning at Indiana, Illinois, Michigan State, Ohio State, Penn State, Minnesota and Iowa.

“E’Twaun Moore — with less than five minutes left in the game — is the best basketball player in the country,” Dakich said. “That’s great. JaJuan Johnson’s jumpshot looks great.

“But when you are in a battle like they are going to be in the Big Ten, who is going to be the guy that is going to be really, really tough on the defensive end? Who is going to make the right decisions in transition? That’s where Byrd and Kelsey Barlow have to bring what they have.”

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