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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 28, ISSUE 2 37 eventual tournament runner-up Purdue played, Edwards logged nearly 39 minutes despite injuring his ankle be- fore halftime and totaled 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and a blocked shot, with no turnovers. He also made a critical hustle play late in regulation to secure a possession for Purdue in a game it went on to win in overtime. That play fit into his stated goal of being a go-to guy of sorts for Purdue in ways that aren't limited to just scoring. "It's just about having a mentality of playing hard and never giving up, doing what needs to be done to help this team win," Edwards said. "Whether it's saying something, making a play, or getting a rebound." Edwards seems primed for the moment, for his mo- ment, a moment that's been a long time coming. His most recent basketball at Purdue has been his best basketball at Purdue. He was outstanding at the World University Games. The rest of his summer, by every account, was excellent. He's been widely lauded around the program for his work ethic and in particular his leadership lately. "He looks to me like he is more confident in his game and skill level," Painter said. "He's being more aggres- sive and is looking to shoot. I think your leadership starts in the work you put in, because it's more than words. Your actions speak louder than words." By any objective measure, Edwards has enjoyed a great career at Purdue, and seems to be trending toward a great season to finish it off. Today, a player who's long been known to be fueled by slight looks back on his short-lived benching last winter as a turning point of sorts. "I realized it later in the season," he says, "that it helped me to get back to who I really am." That's who Purdue needs this season. j 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 South Street 765-447-9393 800-403-6889 FAX 765-448-9978 Across from the Post Office GO BOILERS