Gold and Black is a multi-platform media company that covers Purdue athletics like no one else.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/200613
"There were some games he didn't show up at all and wasn't focused for the game," classmate Ronnie Johnson said. "We can't afford that this year. We need him to show up every game and give himself to the team." Yet, through all of last season's turbulence, consider what Hammons was still capable of. He was named to the Big Ten's five-man All-Freshman Team following a season in which he was Purdue's second-leading scorer (10.6 points); its top rebounder (6.0); and second only to Wisconsin's Jared Berggren in the Big Ten in shot-blocking, averaging two a game. It was a fine freshman season, by almost every measure, with a handful of games where Hammons seemed destined for stardom in the short term. But as Painter always says, "You expect more from talent," and Purdue walked away from Hammons' rookie season absolutely, positively wanting much more. So did Hammons. Today, he seems to be in position to give it, equipped Tom Campbell If Hammons has the type of year many think he can, this could be his final season in West Lafayette. For now, though, he says he's focused on playing well in 2013-14. From Our Family to Yours... We Love the Boilermakers! Four Indiana Locations Lafayette Indianapolis Terre Haute Muncie Columbus WindowWorld.com 20 New store 523 s. earl Ave. IllustrateD volume 24, issue 2 with a greater understanding of what limited him last season. This summer, he showed those around him a new work ethic, significantly improving his body and conditioning and carrying himself differently. Classmate Jay Simpson said Hammons was "lazy" last year. So the fellow Boilermaker big man says he was taken aback this summer to get early-morning calls from Hammons looking for a training partner. "He's a new and improved A.J.," Simpson said. Confidence, Simpson said, is Hammons' driving force. Those who know him best would agree. "He's more confident and knows what he can do," said Jared Quarles, Hammons' former summer coach. "He's worked on his game and his body. He knows practice is different and the environment is different. I think (the players) believe in each other more and have more camaraderie now … and I think that gives everyone a lot of confidence." Hammons said he came to Purdue not even expect- f