Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/114608
In 19 games this season, Anthrop has played 154 minutes. "It's a feeling of accomplishment and gratification, all the work I've put in the last four years have come together and gave me a chance to help Purdue win," Anthrop said of getting a chance as a senior to contribute. "I feel like I've helped, maybe not scoring a lot of points, but I've contributed my personality, helping out with everyone." D.J. Byrd Tom Campbell D.J. Byrd has steadily been climbing up Purdue's all-time three-point list, and he sits at No. 6 heading into the Big Ten Tournament this week. playing a combined 69 minutes. But Painter is always on the lookout for a player who can provide a spark, and Purdue desperately needed one this season with the team struggling to find its blue collar identity. Enter Anthrop. And he provided exactly what Painter and Purdue needed, a smart facilitator on offense and a pesky, play-hard guy on defense who was willing to scrap and dive for loose balls or crash the boards. But then Anthrop broke a bone in his left hand against Northwestern, forcing him out for four games. Since his return, though, he's been a staple, playing three doubledigit minute games in the last five outings. D.J. Byrd always has been at his best when he doesn't press, when he allows his three-pointing shooting to come within the flow of the offense, when he's working on moving the ball around and being a passer first and when he's locked in on doing the little things. That's been a struggle at points this season for Byrd, adapting to playing a more prominent role instead of as a support to All-Americans Robbie Hummel, JaJuan Johnson and E'Twaun Moore. But, like throughout his career, when Byrd is tuned in, he's been wonderful. He's piling up highlight plays like against Illinois at home this season, being feisty and tracking down a late rebound and calling a timeout from his knees to help As a senior, Byrd is averaging seal a victory. 10 points and four rebounds, caHe's crashing the glass, know- reer highs in both categories. His ing how important it is for the 189 career threes rank No. 6 on guards to rebound, and snatching Purdue's all-time list. 20 in the past three games. "It's gone by so fast," Byrd He's cutting hard off screens said of his career. "The season and always moving fast, so when has been somewhat of a strughe breaks free, he's ready to shoot. gle compared to other seasons He's finding a rhythm with his but I feel like we've gotten betstroke, allowing him to drill a Big ter. My career has gone so fast, Ten-best 46 threes in league play. through the ups and downs, "Good teams have players it's been one of the best expethat know their roles and they do riences of my life." j their role the best they can," Byrd said. "The sooner teams and players realize that, that's when I think they start building and becoming a better team. That's what I've tried to do here at Purdue. In high school, I took a lot of shots and took a lot of bad shots, too, but possessions in the Big Ten Trent B Johnson, Agent And I am ready to prove it. 249 E State Street West Lafayette, IN 47906 Call me for your insurance are very important. So Bus: 765-743-9595 needs and see how it feels to trentismyagent.com I'm not going to come be on a #1 team. out and take a low-perLike a good neighbor, State Farm is there. centage shot when you CALL ME TODAY. don't need to." Byrd's best shot has been the three-pointer: He's knocking that down at a 37 percent rate this season, and he's only 38 perP097275.2 State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL cent overall as a shooter. I've got service, yes I do ... ® GoldanDBlack express • volume 23, express 25 • 19