Following an easy 77-62 win over #6 and previously undefeated West Virginia, I heard one national "expert" say that Purdue didn't have the star power that fellow unbeatens Kansas, Texas, and Kentucky had. Really?
E'Twaun Moore isn't a star? He's 7th in the Big Ten in scoring (16.3 ppg), hitting double-figures in all but one of Purdue's wins, while setting season-highs with 22 points against both Tennessee and Wake Forest. After an inconsistent sophomore campaign, E'Twaun has become Purdue's go-to guy.
Robbie Hummel isn't a star? The Preseason All-American and Wooden Award Finalist is averaging a quiet 15/6, but there aren't many players more important to their team that Hummel is to the Boilers. What he does goes way beyond whatever you see in the box score.
JaJuan Johnson isn't a star? This is likely the big man's last year in West Lafayette, and he's making sure to go out with a bang. Johnson made light work of West Virginia's frontcourt, pouring in 25 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The pro scouts know that he's no slouch.
Sure, Purdue doesn't have that sure-fire NBA Lottery pick, but does that mean they're any less of a team than Kansas, Texas, and Kentucky?.
Last time I checked, John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins have never played in the NCAA Tournament. Neither have Xavier Henry or J'Covan Brown. What the Boilers may lack in "star" power, they certainly make up for in experience. The fact also remains that there isn't a better defensive team in America than this Purdue squad.
If a perfect non-conference season with wins over heavyweights like Tennessee and West Virginia isn't good enough to make Purdue a Final Four contender, then that's fine.
Maybe it would be better for the country's best kept secret to finally be revealed in Indianapolis this April.
You really think it is JaJuan's last year at Purdue? It is hard for me believe that but that only comes from watching him for the past 3 years and knowing what he can't do. But there is no doubting his length and athleticism.
ReplyDeleteI have doubts about JaJuan too, but you mentioned his length/athleticism and that's why I think he'll be tempted to jump. I've looked at a few Mock Drafts that have him as an early 2nd round pick but those are the same Mocks that had Jeff Teague as the #1 pick at this time last year.
ReplyDeleteA few more games like the WVU game and he will break into the first round. There have been a million guys like him taken, but I think he is pretty skilled for his size at least. Tyrus Thomas comes to mind, but with a shot. Although a fugly shot, it is effective for JJ.
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