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GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 7 • 37 "Each guy understanding, ac- cepting leadership from different players and not just being biased to one person or not taking con- structive criticism from teammates," sophomore Kendall Stephens said of what was taken away from the train- ing. "So I think from that, we gained a lot. We gained toughness, we gained trust in each other and I think it defi- nitely will help us translate that onto the court." POINT GUARD SHAKING ITSELF OUT It might have all just been turned upside-down by the surpris- ing addition of senior transfer Jon Octeus, but one of Purdue's early pri- orities as it started preseason prac- tice was to get point guard settled. "Different guys can play there," Coach Matt Painter said. "Bryson Scott and P.J. Thompson are the two guys we're playing predominantly there during practice. We just need those guys to get everybody in- volved. It's no secret that we need to play inside-out. We don't need those guys starting the offense by shoot- ing after one pass unless it's a wide- open shot by a really good shooter like Kendall Stephens. They need to get the ball inside, especially to A.J. Hammons, and they need to run our team. That takes time." Painter also expects the versa- tility of forward Vince Edwards and passing skills of freshman Dakota Mathias to help decentralize point guard responsibilities to an extent. "You can use people in a more unconventional role," Painter said. PRACTICE NOTEBOOK S Mathias suffered a foot injury during the first weekend of practice, but was expected back at full strength later this week. The freshman, Painter said, has also been deal- ing with the after- effects of his bout with mono this summer. S As it im- plements some zone components to its defensive playbook, Purdue is looking at the possibility of being able to play 7-footers A.J. Hammons and Isaac Haas together. "We messed around with those guys both being on the floor in some team workouts in September," Painter said. "We'll see. "I think it's an asset offensively. We'll see if it's an asset defensively. I know they can protect the rim, but being able to cover (ground), wheth - er you're in man or in a zone, time will tell." S Painter on Hammons: "Any time we've been in a zone, A.J. Ham- mons has really done a good job re- bounding, whether we've been in a traditional 2-3 or a 1-2-2, with both those guys in. It really helps him by the rim. "I don't say this begrudgingly or sarcastically, but he doesn't block anybody out anyway. Some of the best rebounders ever were that way. They just go get the ball. He's that guy. We just have to get him to go get the ball all the time." SEASON TICKET HOLDER APPRECIATION EVENT In addition to an open scrim- mage being held Oct. 25 (3-5 p.m.) for all fans to attend, Purdue will hold another on Oct. 18 for season-ticket holders, plus one guest. The Saturday split-squad scrim- mage will begin at noon that day with Purdue's football game at Min- nesota being shown live on the vid- eo screen. Earlier, season-ticket hold- ers in attendance will have access to a tour of Purdue's facilities followed by a brunch for up to 250 fans. To attend the brunch, fans are asked to RSVP to sportspromo@ purdue.edu. j Tom Campbell Purdue's point guard situation got a boost when Jon Octeus transferred to Purdue, but holdovers like Bryson Scott will make an impact at the critical position. Tom Campbell Coach Matt Painter likes A.J. Hammons' rebounding ability, out of man and zone defenses, as long as he's hustling to get the ball.