Is the train off the tracks? Hold on a second...If you're reading this, then you probably already know. And if not.... where the hell have you been?? It's anarchy! Blood running through the streets! Fire and brimstone hailing from the sky!! Dogs and cats..... LIVING TOGETHER!! Mass hysteria!
Alright, have we all calmed down a bit?
We know that Rob Hummel is done for the year and likely the beginning of next year. But he's going to be okay. He's a smart kid, he's a hard worker, and he's come back from fractured vertebrae. His future is actually in fine shape if he rehabs as he should and none of us have any reason to believe he won't.
But let's get back to being selfish and ask what this means for this season.
There seem to be two camps as of right now. In one, there are people who basically feel the season is essentially over. They're not quitting as fans, mind you, but they just feel destroyed and punched in the gut and think that advancing a round or two is all we can hope for.
The other camp is the group that seems to be pulling themselves up by the bootstraps and saying, "No, we're good. We will persevere!" But you almost feel like these people are trying to convince themselves.
Let's state it clearly here -- this is a bad blow, yes, but the season is not ruined. We assure you. The Boiled Sports guarantee (it's worth so very much).
Losing Rob Hummel is a huge blow to this team. However, his injury and absence can be dealt with and this team still can still win the Big Ten and make the deep NCAA tourney run we all want.
What does it mean for playing time, starting spots and expectations? Glad you asked.
Playing Time
Mr. Bade, get limbered up, son. Because you're going to need to give us some minutes. No, we can't count on young Bade to replace Rob Hummel, but as Boilerdowd said on our show last night, Bade is the one who most resembles Hummel in the physical sense. His length is similar, he can do some of the curling and he can rebound. If Bade gives us 8-10 minutes a game of this and stops looking like a scared kitten, that's a nice start.
Keaton Grant is alive. We've seen it the past few games and we saw an incredibly promising sign last night. KG hit three yooooge shots late in last night's game, including the game-winning with seven seconds left. And if you watch the replay, you see the level of confidence with which he fired that shot. This very well may be the KG of old, or at least a reasonable facsimile of him.
LewJack and Barlow should see their minutes increase as well, which does not worry us one bit.
Starting Spots
How monumentally fortunate are we that Keaton Grant was bounced from the starting lineup in favor of Kelsey Barlow earlier this season? Had that not happened, Barlow would not have the experience or confidence he now has. Yes, it's terrible to lose Rob Hummel out of the starting lineup. But when you're able to take a senior off the bench who is used to starting (KG) and plug him back into the starting lineup, well, that's about as good a scenario as you could ask for, right?
Replacing a junior leader with a senior leader with skills is not a bad thing. In addition, it might be time to have LewJack start the games and use Kelsey off the bench. Your starting five would then look like this:
Johnson (Jr), Moore (Jr), Kramer (Sr), Grant (Sr), Jackson (So)
I'll go to battle with that starting lineup any time.
Expectations
Do we need 20 ppg from Keaton? No, we do not. If we can get 10-15 out of him consistently, that would go a long, LONG way to helping fill the void. Lewis Jackson is ready and is all the way back. JJ is capable of taking over games, as we have seen, and is truly indispensable. And E'Twaun Moore will step up his game to whatever level the Boilermakers need. I have never been so confident in a guy's ability to respond as I am in Smooge's.
Chris Kramer has to play defense as Chris Kramer can. The guys need to stay out of foul trouble and understand they have a slightly shorter bench. Is this the kind of group that can understand this and rise to the occasion? I think so, and I say that without hesitation.
Are any of these things that I have put forth crazytalk? Am I asking JJ to score 30 a game? Are we talking about Smooge shooting the lights out all the time? No.
Here's a big one: Are we asking guys to do things they have never done before?
No, we are not.
So when you begin to believe again (if you haven't already), do so with confidence. No, losing the Ostrich is not a good thing and we'd never pretend it was. But he's going to be present and spurring these guys on. And we have Coach Matty who knows how to prepare his guys. They will not look shell-shocked any longer on Sunday. And if they beat Michigan State, the train is fully back on the tracks again.
Keep the faith, everyone.
39 comments:
I personally don't think we should, but people have floated the idea of un-red shirting Marcius. If Bade continues to struggle, how early would we have to do this to get him ready for 10 minutes a game or so?
Amen, gents.
I have faith in the guys. I see Kramer and KG stepping up as the senior leaders they are and substituting for the glue that Robbie was to this team. If everyone steps up their game, this season is still going to end as a special one.
Hell, it's been pretty damn special already.
Hail Purdue.
I have faith and am glad to hear you do as well!
Boilermakers never give up.
Could Bade and Byrd basically split 10 minutes a game to fill in for Hummel?
You've always got to give the next man up the chance to shine in these situations. Look at the Colts, and if you read Gregg Easterbrook's TMQ often you know he thinks there's something in the water in good ole Indiana that makes the "next man up" thing work so well.
Bade goal/game: 3 rbs, 0 fouls, good defense
Byrd goal/game: 6 pts, 0 fouls, good defense
Is that really to much to ask two guys to do with the supporting cast and experience and leadership they have around them? I think not.
Can the Smoogernaut start putting up 20+ consistently, I think so, in fact, why not let him try?
Kevin, he's not ready. And it would be a waste of an entire season of eligibility for a handful of games from a guy who isn't ready... let's think it through -- if our season is dependent on un-redshirting Marcius, we're in huge trouble.
Painter has said they aren't going to redshirt guys unless they feel they have to -- we translate that to him not being ready.
Love the optimism, but:
"Here's a big one: Are we asking guys to do things they have never done before?
No, we are not."
Yes, you are:
You want Bade to "stop looking like a scared kitten."
He has never done that before.
Bade has not played at a B10 level in any game he's been in, especially on the defensive end. He is constantly out of position, and generally plays much smaller than he is.
Again, I love the optimism of everyone here, I just hope I can get to that point myself...
Wow, I really want this team to win on Sunday now! Not that I didn't before... but battling back vs. Minny after Robbie came back to the bench, watching Kramer hug Rob after the game, knowing that this team has constantly battled a shortened bench due to injuries and illnesses- I really feel that this team has it in them to rally around this injury and make a great run. Yes, it is a huge blow, but this team has proven this season that they can hang tough and battle and keep their poise with some huge victories; comebacks; and uncommon, seemingly-impossible road victories. I was depressed all day and had a sick feeling, until the past hour or so... I am starting to feel optimistic. I just hope the team will start to feel the same as well! Right now, win the Big Ten regular season, use the BTT to figure things out for THE tourney, then take it to 'em!!
I think this just about closes the case on whether or not it would have been better for MSU to beat OSU last weekend, no?
I can get on board with Nate. Byrd and Bade both scare me each time their on the floor. I'm all for optimism, but it's gonna be won with senior leadership. Smith, Byrd and Bade do not have the mental toughness yet. We lose too many steps with Bade and the other two aren't hitting the shots they are allegedly supposed to. I love that line last night about Smith being an excellent three point shooter in practice.
1. What good does that do us
2. It seemed as if Wayne Larrivee was trying to justify why he was in the game
If we make this a special season, I believe it will be done with a much shorter bench. Johnson, Moore, Kramer, Grant, Barlow, Lewjack, and Hart.
Time for the tough to get tougher.
As difficult as he can be to watch, we're going to need Bade to play well for decent stretches in order to be successful. We can't expect Kramer to defend 6'10" guys the rest of the year. Grant may be able to replace some of Hummel's points, but it'll be up to Bade to replace his size.
I think I am still in the bargaining phase of the grief process. I am waiting for the "Original reports false: Hummel only has knee sprain" headline. I've got a couple more steps before I can get to this acceptance and hope stuff.
But regardless, BTFU!
This train keeps rollin'. Robbie might not be putting the coal in the boiler, but damn it, he's still there.
Anyone not coming, get off now.
It's going to be an emotional game sunday without him. No one has to be superman here...starters just do your best and bench play solid and within the system. No time to worry. BTFU
It may also be time to realize what a wake up call this may be for JuJuan. He'll have a front row seat from how unpredictable college basketball can be. Would you pass on the NBA after seeing that?
Well Purdue officially confirmed it. Guess its time to move onto depression. Hopefully I can read this article tomorrow and be hopeful, but it's pretty sad to see this happen to such a good guy. Why does it have to happen to him and not some jackass like DeMarcus Thuggins?
Juicy J knows damn well he's not ready for the NBA. And I sure hope anyone who's close to him reminds him that. He has disappeared at times playing the likes of Dallas Lauderdale. Could you imagine him trying to contain someone like Dwight Howard in the low post?
But 3'Twaun might be a different story. I thought around the time of the Iowa game a few weeks ago that either Twaun or Rob would be gone after this year. After last night's injury, I think Moore knows it's time to take the NBA's money and move on.
Well said, J Money.
They sure did treat that tear like it wasn't a big deal last night. I bet Hummel is back for the start of the season next year.
Tell Bade to focus on blocking out and rebounding. Seriously, for young guys who are still figuring out a system, that is one of the easier things to do.
Tell Kramer to drive to the hoop a few more times per game and get draw some fouls. He is good from the stripe.
Tell the rest of the team to sack-up and show the rest of the field that this isn't a one-horse show.
ESPN Dissing the Boilers all day. Andy Katz says Purdue is a 1 seed now only if they win the BTT. Jay Bilas said on ESPN radio this morning that this takes Purdue from a Final Four Contender to a potential 2 and done.
LANGUAGE ADVISORY
I hope we get a fucking 3 seed and beat Kentucky, Kansas, and Syracuse on our way to the NC. Lets make the game Sunday the best atmosphere you can find anywhere, let the Spartans know that they are playing against the boys and 14,123 fans. If there is ever a time that the team needs our support, it's now. This season is far from over. Fuck ESPN and Boiler The Fuck Up
@Boiler_Ditsor
I(and all the other Boilers living far away) would give anything to be at the game this weekend.
I hope all of you that have tickets cheer extra loud, especially for the young guys that must step up if the season is not going to die right here.
And like Ditsor said, F*** ESPN, Fox, and all the others that are claiming this team is a one man show.
This is what Boiler Up is for. Not the fight song, not 3rd downs on defense.
It's about enduring hardships, slights and insults and raging against the dying of the light.
It's picking yourself up, rolling up your sleeves and getting back to work.
Now is the time for everyone who bleeds old gold and black to turn inward, dig down deep, draw strength from our stalwart sense of community and stare down the weaker, softer, less resolute opponents and detractors that stand in our way. They have no idea what Boiler Up means...but they're about to,
Nothing original to add, we know we need boards (without fouls) from Bade and more games from KG like the last 3, not to mention the bench points (at the most clutch moments) from Hart. Good to hear so much optimism from Boiler fans, keep it up and oh yeah, BTFU!!!
The glass is half full for sure. Nobody is going to beat Purdue without playing an exceptional game... we go from being an odds on favorite to being a team nobody is going to want to play. Hummel has a lot of heart, but so do the rest of our guys. We are going to win the Big Ten and are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the tournament. Believe it.
Time for Scott Martin to step up and fill the void.
I just want them to bring home the Big Ten regular season title. That has been goal #1 all along. I think its a little unrealistic to expect anymore than a Sweet 16 appearance.
You said it, Lonstarboiler. Must be something in the air down here. I'm in dallas feeling the same way. Flying up tonight for the game. I'm not giving up and I know no one on the team will either. One thing I have to point out. I'm getting tired of people turning this into other teams' issues. Dick V seemed elated that this could get Duke the other #1 seed. Allen from MSU seemed only upset this could mean that if they beat us, it'll only be bc "hummel didn't play". I sense an overall lake of empathy for one of the true gentlemen of college basketball. I don't want to see pity, but come on.
According to the top Lafayette Orthopedic surgeon, who doe hundreds of these surgeries a year, thinks Robbie should be back playing pick-up ball by mid-summer. BTFU
I am sure the players have been reading some of the same articles that I have been over the past 15 hours. Hopefully, it is stirring up in them the same anger that it is stirring in me. Yes, it is a huge loss, but that doesn't mean that the team just rolls over and dies.
I really think they can win the next 3 games. I always thought the BTT would be tough. If this happens, our seeding should not be affected. It seems that the media is just drooling at the notion that Purdue could drop multiple spots in seeding.
Also, this is still a very good team- I would argue that I think it is a better team than last year's, even without Hummel. We will see how things play out. I will be at the next 2 games and feel that it should be very loud!! I, at least, will be! I can't imagine that this team is not going to come out with an added incentive to play for Hummel and try to prove all the "experts" wrong.
Go Boilers!
Haha, Scott Martin....What a turd...
Most of the comments on Marcius that I've seen have written off the idea that he should play for two basic reasons. It would be a waste of a year of his eligibility and he must not have the talent to compete if they didn't put him in already. I can't agree with either of these comments.
In terms of a wasted year, the team needs more size and if he helps them in any way win more games in not a waste. And from his perspective, this year and next are his best opportunities to win a title with the BIG THREE being Seniors next year. So I doubt he would call it a waste to try and help win one this year.
And as for any lack of talent or experience, this doesn't make sense to me either. He's 6'9". That just about sums it up right there. He would provide us with a much needed big body. He'd be another guy to throw out there and bang against teams with a lot of size or in situations where JJ gets into foul trouble. And in the tournament having a few bigs is a must regardless of whether they score or block shots. We just need him to take up space, get some boards, and eat up some minutes.
Without him we're 6'10", 6'8", and 6'5". Not good enough. I love this team as much as anyone and I still believe we can win the Big Ten title and make a serious run in the tournament. But we're gonna need Sandi's size to have a real shot in March.
We should play him. Its the smart move.
I have been thinking recently that Drew rearranged the cosmos, and thus the Purdue world has been in perect order. So much for that.
BUT, I think it would be awesome if Drew came back to West LA this weekend and gave a pep talk, and in particluar, gave some encouragement to robbie. What Brees fought through to come back to the NFL after his injury is absolutely amazing. Robbie needs to know he can come back even better, too. BTFU
I do not think you can make an argument like that solely on height. (See Patrick Bade) The guy hasn't seen the floor once this season. So you're suggesting you throw a Freshman into the mix when our opponents will be playing arguably their best basketball? Crazy talk. Yes, we need height, but unfortunately I do not see him as an option and I don't think Painter does either. We must play the hand we've been dealt. Albeit a tough hand right now.
Matty P must also consider the best interest of Sandi as an individual. What if it backfires? What if he gets hurt? Matt's job is to take care of his players. I think playing Marcius would be selfish and desperate. We must show faith in our current squad.
John, what a killer idea... can you imagine Drew leading their huddle cheer on CBS TV Sunday? Talk about a way to get the old saucer a rockin' (to quote Keith Jackson).
Bawa Muniru is 6'10''
Tijan Jobe is 7'0''
Obviously Marcius wasn't ready to start playing earlier in the season... I believe it was said that Bade was further along than he was. We definitely don't need another foul-prone oaf out on the floor. I would rather see Grant or Barlow slide into Hummel's spot, Jackson start at point, Kramer become more offensively-minded, JJ grab rebounds (not swat like a volleyball), everyone chip in a couple more points/rebounds each game. That should take us pretty far.
Still sad, still feel sorry for myself...probably won't go away until I see our Boilers, the #3 team in all the land, smooosh Izzo, Sparty, Kalin Lucas and Traymond Green.
Hopefully this team learned from experience last year in dealing with injuries and stepping up to fill a role.
It's certainly adds more drama than I would have wanted to see, but this is STILL a DAMN GOOD TEAM.
It's, it, it is, it isn't. Go Boilers.
What is up with the poll asking which injury will have more impact? Lucas' widdle ankle sprain or Hummel's knee... Is this guy serious???
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/352630-spartan-hoopla-michigan-state-kneeds-to-capitalize-on-hummel-injury
B-gal -- it's Bleacher Report. Come on.
I agree with SupPurduePer Fan on both points. Marcius is likely not ready and a return of Brees would be awesome. Unfortunately I think he's too busy healing lepers and walking on water (probably also trying to convince Sean Peyton to pick up LT).
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