Busting Brackets
Fansided

Big Ten Basketball power rankings: Michigan makes big statement to start the season

By Austin Walther

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers reaches for the ball to keep it in bounds during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Mackey Arena on February 25, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers reaches for the ball to keep it in bounds during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Mackey Arena on February 25, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 15
Next
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers gestures during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers gestures during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

6. Purdue Boilermakers (4-1)

Purdue is going to go as far as Carsen Edwards leads them. There’s a reason why he’s leading the Big Ten in scoring, has hit 22 three-pointers in five games, dishing out four assists and grabbing three boards. They knew it was going to be tough finding a consistent second scorer and so far it’s been somewhat true. Ryan Cline can stroke it pretty well and Evan Boudreaux is a nice sixth-man after transferring from Dartmouth.

It seemed as though Purdue has been doing really good, but honestly their best win has come to Davidson. The Wildcats are one of the favorites to win a very down Atlantic 10 this season. But they didn’t draw a match up in the Gavitt Games and the Charleston Classic didn’t have much to offer. They faced the best team in the Tournament and lost. Virginia Tech is being considered legit by just about everyone which is why the Hokies are in the top-15.

The Boilermakers are still ranked because the loss to Virginia Tech isn’t bad at all. It was on a neutral court with a feeling of a second-round game. Maybe like a three vs. six or four vs. five. Purdue has two more ACC opponents and Texas left in the non-conference slate.

Matt Haarms was highly anticipated because of all his blocks last season. He has eight through five games. That number could be higher, but he’ll come around. They’re also hoping to get more out of last season’s four-star Nojel Eastern. The lack of a true point guard may become an issue at some point. But the depth isn’t as bad as we thought it was going to be. Purdue though is still going to be competitive and should be a Tournament team because of Edwards.

Home/Big Ten