Arriving

We all know that Robert Marve is on the way and will probably play a significant role for Purdue in the '10 season. But, what I'd like to do is look at some players from last year's roster that are set to burst on the scene and make a significant impact.

Here are 7 to watch:

Gerald Gooden 2 (new number)

6'3" 235lb. Junior Defensive End

With Kerrigan's reputation now at the level of which opposing coaches must gameplan for him, Gooden will have one-on-one matchups...and he's no slouch. He's cut from similar cloth as the D-Ends that have made their names at Purdue in the last decade. Fast off the corner, very athletic and with a great motor.

Cortez Smith 81

6'2" 180lb. Senior Wide Receiver

This JuCo product didn't have a ton of production until the second half of the season. But, he has big play ability, as IU and Michigan both know. With a pass-happy offense, someone's gotta make catches that Valentin made in '09, and as Keith Carlos proved he didn't have great hands last season, Smith proved he was sure-handed. Plus, this guy just looks like a wide receiver- he's reminiscent of the long, athletic receivers seen at FSU in the late-90s and, especially until some of the young guys are up to speed on the offensive system. His long arms, good hands and big heart will make him a guy that Marve knows he can count on.

Ugly is the new beautiful

Kawann Short 93

6'3" 310lb. Sophomore Defensive Tackle

Mike Neal's graduation leaves a vacuum...and I think I know the guy that will fill it.

Short showed a bit last season, and didn't need to be an every down guy since Neal was so durable. But, his size and athleticism was undeniable. He was an AAU and HS basketball standout in highschool...and has the footwork to show it. He can bullrush, stop the run and even chase down an unexpecting quarterback from behind. He also has enthusiasm that's contagious in the huddle and his personality will surely become more and more evident as he finds himself become a leader on the field. I think he'll also play a key role in the development of Bruce Gaston.

Antwon Higgs 5

6'3" 248lb. Sophomore Linebacker

An injury kept him out of the spring (like about everybody else). But, as the '09 season progressed, he was nearly-impossible to keep off of the field. He's got DE size and strength and linebacker quickness...so you might see him with his hand in the dirt from time-to-time in the fall. He's a sure tackler and has a mean streak that I really like to see...but off the field, he seems like a good dude.

Albert Evans 32

6'0" 206lb. Junior Safety

Evans has a very important role as the anchor of an extremely-young defensive backfield. I don't expect perfection of him as I think he's going to be forced to help out a lot, but I do expect him to be great in run support, a sure open-field tackler and a pretty nasty hitter if an unfortunate receiver forgets about him back there.

Nick Mondek 62 (new number)

6'5" 285lb. Junior Offensive Tackle

Danny Hope has a knack of making guys into great offensive linemen. I think his next great switch is Mondek. Mondek was a pretty solid defensive tackle the past two years, but seems to be a guy who is made for the offensive line. He has very long arms and is strong so he can create space, plus, he seems to have a frame that will be able to add a few more pounds to inch him closer to 300. But, I don't think it's needed as his quickness and strength is already there. I'm not sure if he'll be starting at the beginning of the season, but think he will by the end. Also, he seems to be a guy who takes things personally on the football field...I think this is a good trait as offensive linemen need a chip on their shoulder. He might become one of Marve's bestest pals in the fall.

Al-Terek McBurse 5

6'0" 198lb. Sophomore Running Back

This one's a pretty easy call to make and is simply a must for Purdue to have success in '10. We all loved watching Ralph Bolden play last season- his combination of speed, power and pass-catching prowess was like no running back I've seen at Purdue in 20 years. But, Bolden probably won't be available in the fall, so ATM is the man. McBurse's speed was easy to spot, both on special teams and in his limited duty as backu-up RB last season. But, I'm not sure if he has the type of running style that can break a ton of tackles. That said, he's very shifty and if he gets into the second level, he can run away from about anyone. I also don't know about his hands...but, if Dierking, Crank and Carlos can just make a few plays a game, ATM's long-striding, straight-up style (reminiscent of Tyrone Wheatley) might prove to be pretty tough to stop. Plus, don't forget Marve is a great runner and the triple option is based on the threat of the QB run and the initial read. ATM might get fat off of his quarterback's ability to read.

Taking The Next Step: A Plan

We've been here before as a fanbase...on the cusp of greatness, a step from the precipice of something large.

My memories as a Purdue fan go back pretty far...or not far at all, depending on your perspective. I've been a fan since my Dad brainwashed me in the mid-70s by exposing me to the old gold and black every chance he could...but chose to do so sometimes in the early-80s...and I know this feeling.

My favorite team is good...pretty-damned good, actually. I can almost smell, taste and touch the elusive "next step". But, I can do nothing to help achieve it, quite honestly. In this case, it comes down to Matty and his boys.

So what do they need to do to get to the Final Four, or dare I say it, become National Champs? I think we all have opinions, but here's what I see as the keys:

The Frontcourt is priority one.
I'm not saying it's impossible without him, but a ton less-likely. So JJ's gotta return...but return with resolve. We've seen a dominant 25 and an apathetic one...sometimes in the same game, and that up and down play has gotta go...for lots of reasons. I'm not saying the guy can't have an off game, but I am saying neither he, nor his teammates can afford Johnson playing soft, accepting 20-foot jumpers without anybody under to rebound, or simply watching as Hummel makes the glass squeaky clean.

He knows it and so do his competitors- His frame sometimes makes it hard for him to hold his ground. But, his biggest limitation isn't the broadness of his shoulders, instead, it's inside his ribcage. He's dominated some great big men...and been dominated by Tom Pritchard. That should NEVER happen. After his Frosh year, I was hoping to see him bulk up...prior to his Senior year, I don't think anyone is expecting that. But J, it's time to get mad. Let me just say, I think it's great that you're a nice guy. I'm positive I'd like you off the court. But on, it might be time to create a straw man- an enemy that doesn't exist...and level him each and every game. We know you've got it in you.

Next up, his proteges are a key to success. Sandi Marcius needs to work on his footwork, I'm told...but that's conjecture as I've never seen him play. He's a bit like Batman...his legend is great, his figure is imposing...but he's surrounded in mystery. His size makes him an easy candidate for the team goon or enforcer...but, I think we might have the wrong guy- I'll get to that in a second. But, I think it's fair to be excited to see Marcius finally suited up.

Patrick Bade, in my opinion, can play the goon next year. He's not as big as Marcius, but, he's an ex-football player, so he's hit some people...And I got faith in this guy. We've seen flashes of what he can be, although brief...but there's reason to believe. Hit the weights hard, Patrick, pack on some football weight, watch some old tapes of the guy that earned schollie offers from bigtime programs, and shock everybody (except me). I think he has a real chance to be an impact player, especially on the glass, in '10/'11.

Travis Carroll- Love his size and touch...but think, unless the protein powder and time in Mollenkopf "take", he might need a redshirt year. I'm not saying it's a done deal, but to me, it seems likely. That said, if I was Painter, I wouldn't redshirt any of the bigs as depth underneath is imperative on the stretch run.

Donnie Hale is a bit of an X-Factor. First off, we don't even know if he'll be at Purdue next year as there might not be a scholarship open for him if someone doesn't leave...but I just feel that somehow, he'll be playing for Purdue next season...and I actually think he'll be significant for the team. He's a bit of a tweener as he's built like JJ, but isn't as tall...is nearly the same height as the Ostrich, but isn't quite as skilled. So as a five-tool, he might back up different guys in different situations. And his athleticism will help him in this foreign role.

Now, onto the backcourt
I'll start closer to the basket with our pal, Ostrich. If anyone sees Rob, tell him, "take it easy." You can't give that request to every player on the mend, but you can to Rob...because you know he won't. I don't want him rushing back too, too quickly, and think that Shelborn's staff will make sure he doesn't put himself in the position to hurt something around the repaired ligament as he pushes himself...But, I can't wait to see him back on the court...but I can guarantee that all of his competition is even more-grateful that this is his last season in West Lafayette. Here's to seeing a complete season from November to April without any major setbacks. I'm sure his family and friends will be praying for him- that might be the best thing for him right now.

I have a dream that Kelsey Barlow will be able to back up Hummel next year...and I think this dream has legs, when you look at the positional riches. But, to back up Hummel, Kelsey's gotta work on his J. That and free throws are the key to what impact he'll have offensively in the next season. As we've all seen with Hummel, a player in this position can get rich if he hits the undefensible 15-footers. We all know he has some natural tools- length, athleticism...and I actually think he might still grow a bit before he's done in West Lafayette...Have you seen his pops?

Smooge- Hope you're reading this- You can be better. Yeah, I said it.

Look at what this guy has done since he got to Purdue- he's quietly become one of the best defenders on the team, developed a bunch of different ways to kill his opponent...and he knows, there's more left in the tank...and bigger than that, there's a ton of fuel in the lower abdomen. I saw some glimpses of the fire this guy has, and I like it. If he can use that to fuel him this summer...uh oh, BT opponents.

And speaking of mean SOBs, DJ Byrd, come on down! You're the guy that I'm stoked to see with a year of experience under his belt more than anybody. I think he'll become a guy who dives for loose balls and leads the charge when the team needs a spark and ain't skerrrrrrred of anybody. Atop that, he can make it rain like Seattle in the springtime. Keep the head shaved DJ, I think it works.

Instant offense: a three-prong approach. Ryne Smith from behind the arc (work on your nerves, my man...and show us what everyone sees in practice), John Hart creating his own shot and loosening up tough defensive teams, and Anthony Johnson from anywhere. I see Johnson making some big, key shots late in the season, but am not going to ask too much from him initially...but this dude can fill. Hopefully, he can pack on some weight as the pounding of the BT, especially the way Matty will demand him to play defense, is going to take some physical maturity.

The 2-headed point guard monster will be fun to watch. And before you tell me that Terone Johnson is a scorer, I know he is. In fact, I think he might start at shooting guard. But, I think he can back up Jackson from time-to-time too...and I think that frees up Barlow, which I like. Sure, it'll probably be a combo of the three running the point, but a healthy LewJack will probably do the lion's share of the bidding. I love the problem Matty's going to have in the backcourt...just too much talent, not enough positions or minutes.

It's almost like we're seeing the program in the best position it's been in for a decade or more...kinda like it's been designed to happen this way- That's because it has. And in my opinion, if these guys can stick together while busting their collective ass this offseason, the road, undeniably leads back to Reliant Stadium to complete the unfinished business...of not just this past season, but the past 30.

Boilermaker Hoops Featured in USA Today

It makes sense. Purdue is in fact in the USA. Today.

Since football season is effectively over, why not keep on talking about basketball? Not to put pressure on the guys or anything, but we're looking even more forward to hoops season now. Thank Purdue football special teamers for that.

USA Today has proclaimed the Boilermakers are "reloaded" and "ready to make a Final Four run."

Pretty heady stuff, but you should expect to keep hearing it. Remember, this is a program that was projected to be top ten last season and it might have been a bit much for the still-young Boilermakers to handle. Being manhandled by Duke on their own floor certainly added to that, followed by Robbie Hummel's balky back being a problem all season and E'Twaun Moore's play taking a step back from his freshman year. Then an 0-2 conference start had us all worried. However, they wound up making us proud in a year that included a dominating win over eventual Final Four-bound MSU in West Lafayette; an impressive run through the Big Ten Tournament; and a spot in the Sweet 16 during the NCAA Tourney.

But you don't need me to recap the fun of last season. You were all there, enjoying it just like we were. This season promises to be a rush of emotions once again, undoubtedly with highs and lows once again. Make no mistake -- it's going to be exciting between November and March in WestLaf and in the many pockets of this country where we Boiler alums exist.

So read up on USA Today's preview, take it for what it's worth, and keep listening to that train rumbling in the distance.

More coming from us....

Hoops help on the way: Get to know Lewis Jackson

Purdue's young team seems to have some good scorers who can create their own looks, but are in desperate need of a "set up" man...A slashing point guard who can shoot well-enough to draw attention, but can cut to the heart of a defense to draw the double-team and dish to the open man. I think Purdue will have exactly that next season when Lewis Jackson joins the team.

Jackson drew offers from Illinois, IU, USC and others, but chose Purdue due to Cuonzo Martin and Matt Painter's long-term interest in him. At the time of the signing, many, myself included, didn't think of Jackson as a guy who could make a difference right away. Now, after a tremendous weekend of basketball, Jackson is looking like a very real threat to make noise next season for our Boilers.

Battling the flu, Jackson scored 28 points, had 9 assists and six rebounds...in just over three quarters. He was named tourney MVP as his team won the Holiday Tournament that they played in last weekend. He averaged about 30 pts./gm. He wasn't playing a bunch of cream puffs either, he plays in the basketball talent-rich state of Illinois.

Rivals.com calls LewJack the most athletic and fastest player out of his state this year. By description, he reminds me of Dee Brown from Illinois...that wouldn't be too bad if he was similar to Brown. I'm positive that this year's Freshman class is looking forward to the addition of Jackson in '08-'09.