Purdue Scouting Report

The Boilermakers are an exciting young team. They have 7 freshmen or sophomores in their 9 man rotation. Coached by Matt Painter they have a 25-8 overall record. Purdue plays tough defense only allowing opponents on average 61.2 per game. They boast the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in Chris Kramer and they will play us tough from opening tip to final buzzer. Even though they are young they are extremely talented with all four of their freshmen (all from Indiana consequently) being consensus top 100 recruits. Winners of 15 of their last 18 they will be looking to get past the second round this season much like X will be. A berth for the Sweet 16 is on the line and tip is at 4:40 PM Saturday.

Starting 5:

#3 Chris Kramer: 6-3 210 So. 6.8 PPG - Deemed the top defensive player in the Big Ten and is only a sophomore. I believe he will draw the assignment of guarding Drew Lavender with the edict to stop him from getting out in transition. He's not an extra quick athlete by any means, but he's very steady, a solid ball handler, and can also score from the perimeter on occassion. He can distribute the ball wisely and he possesses the versatility to play either guard position.

#4 Robbie Hummel: 6-8 208 Fr. 11.6 PPG- Listed as a guard and a forward. Sean got him to take a tour of Cintas but he passed for the opportunity to play in the Big 10. He is a lanky and skilled player. A fine dribbler and passer in the open court he possesses adequate quickness and plenty of 'attitude'. His deep jump push shot has a low release point but good touch and he can shoot accurately off the dribble or catch. He is an unselfish player. He penetrates and dishes confidently and crisply to the open man. Hummel also moves wisely without the ball, blocks out and helps on the boards, slam dunks and blocks shots with suprising athleticism and anticipation. Gravy on top is that he makes all kinds of 'hustle' plays. Miller and the staff have done a good job taking somebody away from the other team all year. For us to win I think Hummel will need to be that guy for the Boilers even though he is only a freshman. I would start out with D Brown on him and his long arms. Duncan could also match this kid and his physicality could help wear Hummel down.

#5 Keaton Grant: 6-4 207 So. 10.9 PPG- He is explosive and physically strong. He is more wing guard than point. His primary weapon is a smooth arching high release jump shot that is virtually automatic from mid range and has improved from behind the arc. He is shooting from three around 43%. He utilizes his leaping ability to extend and finish at the rim. Keaton can get out on the fastbreak and loves to drive (usually to his right) in the halfcourt set. You have to admire his hustle for loose balls and his committment to defense. He is very, very good on that end also. I think CJ draws this matchup and it will be a difficult one for him on the defensive end of things.

#21 Nemanja Calasan: 6-9 243 Jr. 6.5 PPG- Big strong European player. He must think he is playing outside with those leg warmers he wears on the court. He originally signed with Utah but gained his release after Ray Giacoletti was let go by the Utes. Nemanja re-opened his recruitment and was highly sought after as a juco big man last spring. He eventually signed with the Boilers over Kentucky for playing time opportunities. The Boilers lacked a low post brute and Calasan is satisfactory in that role.

#33 E'Twaun Moore: 6-3 180 Fr. 12.8 PPG- Stan Burrell will get the call to stop Mr. Moore. He is a combo guard with no major weaknesses. Very fast and strong driver who specializes in big time moves, hanging finishes and making plays off the dribble, he's more of a scorer than a shooter. His jump shot has a bit of a funky release. It can be flat and inconsistent moreso when he's stationary than on the move. He has a knack for using his quickness and good strength to get past defenders. E'Twaun also has shown he can run the show effectively as a playmaker. He is quick and hustling on the defensive end where his long arms can play havoc in the passing lanes.

Bench:

#14 Scott Martin: 6-8 200 Fr. 8.6 PPG- Also listed as a guard and a forward. He went to the same high school as Hummel and stated X was too far away from home for him to even visit. I really like the left hander and he can make plays and shots from all over the court. He is very skilled on the perimeter where his quick dribbling, skilled passing on the move, accurate shooting (fading away, stepping in, mid range or behind the arc) and suprisingly bouncy athleticism are all strengths. He can dunk over big men and has nice body control on drives to the basket. He blocks out for rebounds and gets lots of tip ins for a wing. At the defensive end he is also solid blocking shots, getting steals or providing help to his team mates. A solid team player he probably only needs more physical strength to really sky rocket.

#12 Tarrance Crump: 6-1 176 Sr. 4.3 PPG- He gives Coach Painter a perfect change of pace guard off the bench. He also fits in well with their aggressive defensive philosophies. He is a horrible three point shooter but has hit game winning shots for Purdue. We need to take advantage when he is in the game.

#25 JaJuan Johnson: 6-10 210 Fr. 5.4 PPG- Supremely long and athletic this freshman is. He has great mobility when running the open court but needs more weight and strength. With good coordination, quick reactions in the post, big hands and array of nice moves including a nice drop step this Indianapolis native has solid scoring tools. At times he has trouble finishing plays in traffic due to his physical strength. His jump shot is solid from mid range and he has a nice jump hook. He can block shots on the defensive end and maintains a calm demeanor.

#20 Marcus Green: 6-4 229 Jr. 4.6 PPG- He will slide between forward and guard. His three point shot is inconsistent, and he is not always as alert as he needs to be. He is a good (not great) athlete that is a very capable mid range scorer. Solid ball handler he can fill the lane on the break, helps on the boards, and is a decent defensive player.

This game will be tight throughout in my opinion. For the Muskies to win we must take away either Hummel or Moore if not both. Baylor got into a track meet with them and that didn't work out to well for the Bears. This game will be more of a grinder which the Boilers face every night in the half court oriented Big Ten. I am very nervous about this one. My stated goals for the team when the season began were an A10 championship, twenty wins, and a Sweet 16 berth. Anything after that for me would be the cherry on top. Expect a game in the 60's that may come down to a last second shot? I like our experience over them but again this Purdue team has a great coach and have accomplished an awful lot this season. It should be a 'dog fight'.