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presents The Opening Tip GBIprint.com GoldandBlack.com Tom Campbell Robbie Hummel and D.J. Byrd were all smiles during the Nebraska game to open Purdue's Big Ten Tournament. we were seeded higher than other teams," Hummel said, "but I think the upsets are the best part of the Tournament." Purdue is a major program. It comes from what many consider to be college sports' pre-eminent conference and it's a perennial winner with resources that make any comparison to past mid-major Cinderellas laughable. But that doesn't mean Purdue, in the role of underdog, can't draw inspiration from those stories. On the evening of Selection Sunday, Jackson was asked what gave him reason to believe this team that had to scratch and claw its way into the field can actually win once it gets there. "Butler, VCU," he said. "Just knowing of other teams that maybe didn't have the prototype, as they'd say, to win a national championship, but they've been there and done it and shown you can make it if you stick to your guns and everybody believes and you go out there and play hard." That latter part hasn't been an issue for Purdue, at least not in its past 13 opening-game Tournament appearances. The Boilermakers have won them all. "You never take for granted being in the NCAA Tournament. It's an honor and there's a bunch of good teams that are disappointed today," Painter said. "You need to be grateful for this opportunity. Even though you've earned the opportunity, some other people have, too. ... We just need to go out and represent our school and play hard and do those things we've done to put a nice little string together in first-round games." j 171 Room Full Service Hotel; featuring 18 guest suites, 2 hospitality suites and 2 presidential suites— all with king beds and new plush sofabeds. Complimentary Weekday Continential Breakfast & Newspaper renewed . . . and ready for you Free Onsite Parking 24-hour Business Center Valet Service near to: Purdue University Purdue Research Park Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex Express Check-out Free Wireless Internet Access Exercise Room steps away from: Celery Bog Nature Center and walking trails Shopping, recreation and entertainment Indoor & Outdoor Pools & Jacuzzi Wii Zone 13,000 Square Feet of Meeting & Banquet Space Professional Events Staff 3001 Northwestern Avenue West Lafayette, Indiana 47906 l ful our ters the postseason, its three seniors now running on borrowed time. When the NCAA Tournament tips off, it's one-and-done time. But the Boilermakers are used to that by now. Had Hummel not hit that lunging baseline runner at Northwestern to win in Evanston so many weeks ago, it might have been the Boilermakers instead of the Wildcats accepting the back-handed compliment of an NIT invitation this weekend. Had Purdue not made all those clutch plays at both ends of the floor to win at Illinois, its NCAA streak may not have hit a half dozen. And if the Boilermakers hadn't summoned up their best showing of the season for their biggest opportunity of the season at Michigan, the same could be true. No, it was anything but easy for Purdue to play its way into a tournament to which appearances of late have practically been givens. That's not to say past Purdue teams had it easy on their way to the Big Dance as much as it's to say this one had it tough. Being in that situation was a change for many of these players. Being an underdog will be also, though it may be a stretch to truly call a 21-win team from college basketball's most competitive conference an "underdog." But being an underdog, at least in terms of seeding, isn't such a bad thing. Hummel jokes that his whole life, he's rooted for them in the NCAA Tournament. "I never could say this when The following are our thoughts now, as Purdue enters the Madness of March. • Kyle Charters: "Considering the loss of Drey Mingo in the preseason, the Boilermakers couldn't have hoped for much more this season. Two home games in Mackey could mean a ticket to the Sweet 16. Anything after that is gravy." • Stacy Clardie: "The Boilermakers had to fight hard to simply get themselves in position to make the NCAA Tournament, and that struggle was represented in the seed that came with the selection. A potential matchup with No. 2 Kansas in the second round likely will be where the career ends for Robbie Hummel, Lewis Jackson and Ryne Smith." • Alan Karpick: "Because the Boilermakers hold the NCAA Tournament standard for 13 consecutive wins, one might think that beating Saint Mary's is a piece of cake. It won't be, but I still like the Boilermakers' chances if they are at full strength." • Brian Neubert: "This is a very different Purdue team in so many ways than the ones the Boilermakers have sent to past NCAA sites, but one thing is very apparent: When Purdue is making shots, it can score with just about anybody. The issue is the other end of the floor. Purdue's won games in the postseason because it's defended and been tougher and more physical. Again, this team is different." ser v Catering & Beverage Service 765.463.5511 or 800.777.9808 www.universityplazahotelwl.com ice fa The Garden Café cility a waits you Tailgate Grill & Bar managed by Hostmark Hospitality Group Gold & Black IllustrateD • volume 22, express 25  •  2

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