Busting Brackets
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Big Ten Basketball: Badgers to turn NCAA Tournament momentum into Big Ten title

By Bryce Bennett

Dec 28, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; The Big Ten Conference logo on the Kohl Center Court during pre-game warm-ups before the Wisconsin Badgers take to the floor to play the Buffalo Bulls at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; The Big Ten Conference logo on the Kohl Center Court during pre-game warm-ups before the Wisconsin Badgers take to the floor to play the Buffalo Bulls at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 13, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) goes for a layup in the second half at Mackey Arena. Purdue won the game 74-57. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) goes for a layup in the second half at Mackey Arena. Purdue won the game 74-57. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Purdue Boilermakers  

2015-16 record: 26-9 overall, 12-6 in Big Ten, reached NCAA Tournament first round

Head coach: Matt Painter

Notable departures: A.J. Hammons, Rapheal Davis, Kendall Stephens (transferred to Nevada), Johnny Hill

Notable returnees: Isaac Haas, Caleb Swanigan, Vincent Edwards, P.J. Thompson, Dakota Mathias, Ryan Cline, Basil Smotherman

Notable newcomers: Four-star PG Carsen Edwards, Michigan transfer PG Spike Albrecht

The Boilermakers are the second-best team in our conference preview rankings. Last year was a return to form year in West Lafayette. The Boilermakers used strong defense and a great front court to bully opponents. It led to a third place finish in the conference and a runner up finish in the Big Ten Tournament.

They had a disappointing collapse to Arkansas-Little Rock in the NCAA Tournament, but 26 wins is the most the program has had since 2010-11.

This season the Boilermakers lose A.J. Hammons and Rapheal Davis, but return everyone else. The front court is still the best aspect of this team. 7’2″ junior center Isaac Haas steps into the starting lineup, along with returnees Caleb Swanigan and Vincent Edwards. In all, it adds up to one of the most formidable front lines in the country.

The backcourt is where the questions are. The 2015-16 backcourt struggled at times with composure, scoring and had issues against smaller, athletic teams. They lose senior leader Davis, but everyone else returns. Graduate transfer point guard Spike Albrecht also joins the fold. Top 100 guard Carsen Edwards will also see time.

If Purdue is able to improve its composure and scoring issues, and maintain its strength in the low post, they will be a dangerous team. Fun non-conference games against Villanova and at Louisville will test them.

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