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| ARCHIVES |
| • April 16, 2011 |
| • April 5, 2011 |
| • March 24, 2011 |
| • March 16, 2011 |
| • March 7, 2011 |
| • Feb. 28, 2011 |
| • Feb. 21, 2011 |
| • Feb. 14, 2011 |
| • Feb. 3, 2011 |
| • Jan. 24, 2011 |
| • Jan. 6, 2011 |
| • Dec. 29, 2010 |
| • Dec. 22, 2010 |
| • Dec. 8, 2010 |
| • Nov. 29, 2010 |
| • Nov. 18, 2010 |
| • Nov. 10, 2010 |
| • Nov. 4, 2010 |
| • Oct. 26, 2010 |
| • Oct. 19, 2010 |
| • Oct. 18, 2010 |
| • 2009-10 |
| • 2008-09 |
| • 2007-08 |
| • 2006-07 |
Each week Cliz will offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Boilermakers and their travels, games and practices of the season.
If you have a comment for Cliz, simply drop him a line at clisbysports@gmail.com. Enjoy this week's edition below!
Cliz Blog - April 16, 2011
So, the doom-and-gloomers are predicting a big fall off for the Boilermakers next year? I realize I'm a big Boiler homer, but I just don't follow that logic, which basically says Purdue can't be any good without E'Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson in the lineup.
Sounds a little bit like when Carl Landry and David Teague departed.
One thing Coach Painter strives for is consistency, which was his mantra when he first took over the program. His thought was that you consistently win when you have successful upperclassmen to lead and instruct others. His goal was to build a program like the ones that Tom Izzo and Bo Ryan have built. Five years have proven that he's on his way to accomplishing in that goal.
I don't care how you spin it, losing Robbie Hummel last year was major blow. I doubt Connecticut would have won the championship without Kemba Walker. Yes, Purdue climbed to sixth in the national polls at the end of the season, but this year's meltdown wouldn't have occurred with Rob in the lineup, pure and simple.
I've seen some stories predicting a ninth-place finish for Purdue next year. Isn't going to happen. I'll explain why.
First off, Hummel will return, and he'll be one of the better players in the country. I understand where some people are coming from. How can you count on a guy that hasn't played in a year and a half? I'm just saying that no person can be that unlucky. He's a fifth-year senior and his time has come.
Hummel, matched with fellow seniors Lewis Jackson and Ryne Smith, gives Purdue a strong leadership nucleus. All of those guys should have strong final campaigns in West Lafayette.
Purdue used a lot of players in their rotation last year, so the team has a wealth of experience. John Hart breaking his foot and Kelsey Barlow's suspension didn't help the team down the stretch, but both players can't be counted out next season. It's up to them, but I think both players will respond.
Many of the Boilermaker faithful have already counted out Sandi Marcius and Travis Carroll as significant contributors next season, but I think that's a huge mistake. Marcius was playing in his first season after the previous year being hampered severely with a foot injury. He may be running behind, and the learning curve is difficult, but that isn't uncommon with European players. Sandi has a pretty good skill set for a man his size. Carroll showed some promise, in my opinion.
The two Johnsons not named JaJuan could contribute mightily next year. Personally, I like Anthony's game a lot, and a redshirt year should prove highly beneficial. He can score and has some attitude, and Terone is talented.
Incoming recruits Donnie Hale and Jacob Lawson could contribute right away, especially Hale, who is a year older after a season of prep competition. Lawson has to get up to speed after an injury but all signs point toward that not being an issue.
I haven't talked about D.J. Byrd or Patrick Bade. I personally feel that Byrd can be a very good player. The jury is still out on Patrick.
I personally think we will have a very good team next year, much better than many doubters are projecting. With a healthy Robbie Hummel, I feel we can contend in the league, and as far as a ninth-place finish is concerned, I find that laughable.
