Leading up to the 2009 NIT Season Tip Off on November 16th, Pickin’ Splinters will be counting down the top 25 of the college hardwood nation.

’08 – ’09 Results: 27 – 10 (11 – 7 Big Ten) Lost to UConn in the third round of the NCAA Tournament, 72 – 60.

Coach: Matt Painter 108 -55 (5 seasons)

Key Returners:

JaJuan Johnson – 13.4ppg, 5.6rpg

Robbie Hummel – 12.5ppg, 7.0rpg

Lewis Jackson – 5.9ppg, 2.5rpg

Chris Kramer – 5.2ppg, 2.9rpg

E’Twuan Moore – 13.8ppg, 4.6rpg

Notable Non-Conference Tilts: 12/1 vs. Wake Forest, 12/12 vs. Alabama, 1/1 vs. West Virginia

Stat of Identity: Purdue held opponents to 59.8 ppg last season – Washington St. led the country at 55.4.

By Paul Gotham

Any chance that Matt Painter still walks in the shadow of a legend has been removed. After taking over from long-time coach, Gene Keady, Painter looked overwhelmed early.  The Boilermakers limped through Painter’s inaugural ride winning just nine games. Since then Purdue has made three consecutive trips to NCAA Tournament including last year’s Sweet Sixteen appearance. Over the last two seasons, the Painter-led Boilermakers have won more contests than any Purdue team. The only thing separating the Boilermakers from a trip to last year’s Final Four might have been a healthy back for Robbie Hummel.

Hummel returned. His back is healthy. The entire starting five from a year ago are ready for an historic run for the Boilermakers.

In a Big Ten Conference where points are hard to come by the Boilermakers let it fly. Purdue took 704 attempts from behind the three-point last year – 100 more than their opponents. Painter has confidence in Hummel(59-155), Grant Keaton(61-175), and E’Twaun Moore(56-166) all hit more than 50 trifectas. That number will only increase with experience.

Moore dished 111 assists in 08 – 09 campaign. Second on the team to Lewis Jackson with 118.

Purdue will continue to open up the floor. The ride through the Big Ten will be no less rocky than in years past. But these Boilermakers are ready for the tussle.