Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings: Illinois, Maryland, and Michigan State fight at top
By Ryan Kay
11. Purdue 12-10 (5-6)
Key Wins
*Beat VCU 59-56 in the Emerald Coast Classic.
*On the road beat Virginia 69-40 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge
*Defeated Michigan State by a score of 71-42.
*Beat Wisconsin 70-51.
Disappointing Losses
*Lost at Nebraska 70-56.
*Swept by the Fighting Illini including a road defeat by a score of 63-37.
*Lost in double overtime at Michigan by a final score of 84-78.
KenPom Ranking 29
Net Ranking 39
It is not surprising that Purdue has struggled this season due to losing two key players from last season’s team in Carsen Edwards and Ryan Cline. The Boilermakers lost three of their top five scorers from last season but they have won some games here and there due to a young talented core upfront on their front line.
Key players this season and especially in Big Ten play have been Matt Haarms, Nojel Eastern, Trevion Williams, and Aaron Wheeler who have made solid contributions thus far in Big Ten play. Big men Matt Haarms and Nojel Eastern have lead the way halfway through Big Ten play and the Boilermakers are seeing tremendous growth in sophomore Trevion Williams who is having great and productive play during the Big Ten season.
The biggest surprise in Big Ten play has been the superb play of sophomore Eric Hunter Jr. who is currently the 2nd leading scorer on the team and leads the teams in average minutes played per game. Jahaad Proctor has had an impact on the boilermakers as he is the current 4th leading scorer for Purdue heading into the 2nd half of Big Ten play. Head coach Matt Painter will continue to have the Boilermakers ready to compete in the Big Ten heading into the Big Ten tournament. Purdue has some bad losses but they have a great win for example over Michigan State. The Boilermakers have for the most part protected their home court and they look forward to hosting Iowa on Feb. 5th.