Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/515571
GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 28 • 12 coaching, playing, practicing trying to get playing time, or just trying to beat another team and fight for a championship, and when you have the ability to self-assess and own your mistakes, you're normally going to correct those mistakes, whether that's improving yourself as a player or improving yourself as a person. "He just felt like he was a little emotional and he was young and made a decision he regretted. A lot of times in life, you don't get that back. Now, he's hoping that he can turn the tables a little bit, have a great senior year, get to the NCAA Tournament and fulfill his dream." Hill spent two years at UT-Arlington and played one season, in which he averaged 10.1 points on 46.3-percent shooting, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 21 games before injuring his wrist, a recovery process that's ongoing. Hill is more of a combo guard but has played point guard at both ISU and Arlington, a similar career path as the one Octeus followed. "A huge thing for me was finding a team I thought would have a great chance to make the (NCAA) Tournament," Hill said. "Obviously Purdue checks out in that area. "Another important factor for me was to find a place where I'd have an opportunity to come in and contribute and Purdue checks out there as well. And the last thing was just the coaches. I think the coaches (at Purdue) are tough and blue-collar and competitive and run the program that way and that fits my personality. I think I really play hard and am a blue-collar guy, so that suits me well." PURDUE GETS PITT IN BIG TEN/ACC CHALLENGE Purdue's draw in the annual Big Ten/ACC Challenge will send it to Pittsburgh Dec. 1 for a meeting with a Panther team coming off an NIT season. The Boilermakers' six-game Big Ten/ACC winning streak stands the second-longest in the event's history. Duke won 10 games in a row from 1999-2008. THOMPSON HEADED OVERSEAS Leading into a season in which he'll have the opportunity to play a key role for Purdue, Thompson will get a little extra experience later this month when he travels to Asia as part of the USA Eagles traveling team. The Eagles, a collegiate select team, will play against professional teams in China and Mongolia after a five-day CERAMIC • ENGINEERED HARDWOOD LAMINATES • MARBLE CARPETING Specializing in • Homes • Businesses • Churches • Schools Where Contractors Buy Their Flooring Builders! Call our Contract Department and ask for our Contract Specialist 3437 State Road 26 E. 765-447-9393 800-403-6889 FAX 765-448-9978 Across from the Post Office GO BOILERS Tom Campbell Forward Vince Edwards has a tryout with the USA U19 team this summer.