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Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/200613
That team was talented, as a whole one of the most talented Matt Painter's had, however raw that ability may have been. But it was profoundly immature at best, childish at worst. What's funny is that now, Purdue's players have seemingly shown some maturity in recognizing their own immaturity, or at least that's what players saying all the right things are saying. But the dichotomy of this year's team is just that: That experience and chronological age alone should make it significantly better, but no less new than a year ago at this time. For as much as Purdue has returning, half its roster is new. But this offseason's transactions were jackpots. All due respect to those who left with eligibility remaining, but the guys who needed to go are gone. Good trades, as Painter says. Great ones, actually. In the defectors' place come three talented freshmen, their ability on par with last season's rookies, which is significant, along with a pair of grown men as fifth-year transfers, one-year rentals for all intents and purposes. Errick Peck and Sterling Carter might be good players for Purdue this season, but just as importantly, they're grown-ups joining a team that needed to grow up. Intangibles, people, so much of what Purdue lacked last season. Purdue is going to be better this season, so much better. Look around. A.J. Hammons is a pro, maybe sooner rather than later, but I'm not convinced he's even Purdue's best or most important player anymore, as he was last season. I think Terone Johnson's going to have a fine season, benefiting from the wisdom he's gained from the unfamiliar, uncomfortable feeling of losing. Ronnie Johnson will be right there with Hammons in vying to be the best in the conference at his position. Maybe not today, but a day not so far off. Jay Simpson needs to back up the hype, but every needed tool is there for him to be the best of all of them. f And the freshmen are legitimate, all three of them, though each will face their own different challenges. Add it all up and you're looking at a team here that should shoot better and defend better, but those are areas where there's nowhere to go but north. It'll be deeper, better and more motivated, equipped with a schedule that should provide the early success Purdue could have used last season. Painter may not advertise it, but he knows it. He seems like a different man than during last season's suffocating misery. That team took its toll on him; this one seems to be part of the coach's apparent rejuvenation. This is a good basketball team. You'll see.j Neubert can be contacted at BNeubert@ GoldandBlack.com Ziccarelli Builders, Inc. Construction Planners and Contractors Commercial & Industrial General Contractor LEED Certified Projects Augie Ziccarelli, CEM 1981 One Overlook Point, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 zicbuilders.com Phone: 847.913.1000 IllustrateD volume 24, issue 2 17