Purdue Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Boilermakers

Purdue basketball lost star Caleb Swanigan to the NBA this season, but they are still a team that can threaten for the Big Ten title.

Last season, the Purdue Boilermakers went through Big Ten play as the best team in the conference. Although two teams secured 12-6 records in the conference, Purdue’s 14-4 record won them the regular season conference title. In addition, this record led them to a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

After dispatching Vermont in their opener, the Boilermakers faced Iowa State in what was one of the best games of the entire NCAA Tournament. Purdue was able to come out on top and reach the Sweet 16, but that was the furthest the dream would go. The team fell by a disappointing 32 points in their matchup with the Kansas Jayhawks.

With the 2017-18 season approaching, expectations will be similar to last season for the Boilermakers. They are losing Big Ten Player of the Year Caleb Swanigan (18.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game) and that will be a major loss to the team. Yet, they return the majority of their roster from last season and will be very experienced this season.

Swanigan’s departure leaves a gap on the inside though, and somebody will need to step up to replace his production. Swanigan was definitely one of the best college players last season and he will be nearly impossible to replace. Head coach Matt Painter has done an incredible job keeping Purdue competitive over the years and that will continue this season.

Painter has several senior leaders in his starting lineup, all of which have extensive experience in Big Ten play and the NCAA Tournament. Purdue should return to the Big Dance this season as one of the top teams in the Big Ten. Let’s look at how.