Purdue at a glance
Eds: With BKC--Purdue Preview
By The Associated Press=
Purdue
Last season: 21-13, lost in first NCAA Tournament game.
Nickname: Boilermakers.
Coach: Matt Painter.
Conference: Big Ten
Key Returners: A.J. Hammons, 7-foot all-conference center led Boilermakers in scoring (11.9 points) and rebounding (6.6); Vince Edwards proved more versatile than expected during freshman season, averaging 8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists; Rapheal Davis was recruited as scorer but emerged as strong all-around player with 10.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and solid defense.
Who Left: Point guard Jon Octeus was glue to team last season, averaging 9.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists; Boilers recruited swingman Bryson Scott as strong scorer but he never quite lived up to hype and transferred after averaging 3.8 points and 1.6 rebounds in 2014-15.
The Skinny: Putting Hammons with 7-2 Isaac Haas and 6-9 power forward Caleb Swanigan could give Purdue the biggest and strongest front line in league. If new point guard Johnny Hill fits in and plays consistently well, and Boilers improve 3-point shooting, they could be surprise title contender in Big Ten.
