Boilers Pull Upset; Advance to Second Round

"This is totally gonna screw up Digger's bracket!"

Wait, wait, wait. This can't be right. I must be reading this wrong. Purdue pulled off the upset of the mighty Siena Saints in the first round of the tourney?

Hell yes, you bet your sweet ass they did, 72-64.

Sorry, but we -- along with every other loyal Boilermaker -- are fricking sick and tired of our 28-5 squad being minimized and written off. Yes, they played poorly last Saturday against Minnesota. News flash: it's not last Saturday.

Were we thrilled with this performance? No, we were not, and neither were you, in all likelihood. And that's because those of us who are real fans of this team know they're still capable of big things. Rob's absence hurts, to be sure, but with two current all-conference guys, a former all-conference guy and the current Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, it was a little premature to suggest the Purdue Boilermakers wouldn't dispatch a MAAC team. Not a MAC team -- a MAAC team.

The Saints were all but favored in today's game and Brando and Gminski calling the game on CBS really -- REALLY -- wanted to be calling a 13 over 4 upset. Sorry, fellas, to disappoint you, but Purdue doesn't lose in the first round. It just doesn't happen.

The first hald was complained about by Boiler faithful, including us...BUT, while it was not a good half, the good guys were only down three. To try to be impartial for a moment, if nothing goes right for a team and they're only down 3, that's actually a good sign.

In the first half, there was plenty to be concerned about, as Moore played soft, nobody could rebound and JJ seemed to shrink three sizes against a team he could -- and needed to -- dominate.

Boilerdowd and I commented that we hoped Coach Matty got this team's attention at halftime. I think he did.

When the second half began, the Boilers played the game they are capable of playing, dominating defensively, converting breaks, forcing steals and bad passes, grabbing rebounds and asserting themselves with rattling dunks. As I said to b-dowd after the game, wouldn't you love to see them play that way for even one complete half? They'd be up 20+ on almost anybody.

Ryne Smith finally arrived and took the uniform from the imposter who has been wearing it all season. We kid, of course, as we love all our Boilermakers equally, but it was terrific to see Ryne hit a couple of huge threes. That was about it from the bench, though, as the Boilers' starters did an OSU impression, with everyone but Lew getting 31 minutes or more.

Concerns include the one we knew would continue -- without Rob, rebounding is a huge, HUGE problem. Being outrebounded 42-37 by a MAAC school is.... how you say..... not good. The Saints' top two rebounders had 25 combined, but the good news is JJ led all with 15 boards. Let's aim for our boys keeping the rebounding battle close going forward and we'll all agree to call that a win. Agreed?

Special mention to the efforts of the seniors. Keaton Grant started slowly but kept shooting -- and we needed him to -- and knocked down three treys. And, of course, Chris Kramer became Chris Kramer in the second half, stealing balls, getting breakaway dunks and pissing off the opposition. For those who missed it, early in the second half, as Purdue was making a big run, Kramer saved a ball going out of bounds and whaled it off of Siena's Kyle Downey (I believe), who did not care for that. He stepped up towards Kramer, who gave him that patented, Kramer Look of Disdain. We were all thinking it, too: Mr. Downey, trust us, you want no part of Chris Kramer. E'Twaun Moore stepped between the two and saved Downey from becoming a permanent part of the hardwood.

In the end, the game was a marginal performance, except for about the first 10-12 minutes of the second half. In this case, that was all that was needed. In the next game, we'll likely need more than just 1/4 effort, boys. Hopefully, they're pacing themselves. That said, we liked what we saw. It looked like the guys were increasing learning who they are. It's been hard to pinpoint exactly what to expect from this team, especially since Rob went down. Let's hope they've begun to seriously figure it out.

Oh, and continuing our memo to the mainsteam media: We do not want any props from you anymore. We get accused of whining when you slight our program over and over and over. No more. We quit on hoping you wise up. Leave 'em for dead, it's fine with us. And that includes next year. We don't want to hear a damn bit of pro-Purdue out of stooges like Goodman at Fox, Parrish at CBS, Katz at ESPN, or any other similarly uninformed buffoon who hasn't watched a Purdue game all year. Suck it, all of you. We're through hoping for respect. Our boys will force you to not be able to ignore them. Kind of like they did -- again -- today.

Choo-choo, muthas.

This way to the second round, boys!

Can't Give Up on These Two

At the beginning of their time at Purdue, two members of this year's Senior class were probably given a better chance for success because of two ACLs that tore before they arrived in God's country. David Teague and Carl Landry were both held out in '05-'06 because of knee injuries...and they both came back strong in the following year. That fall was the first semester on campus for KG and CK3.

Purdue had been on the decline for a few seasons- the twilight of Keady's tenure at Purdue left a court named after him and a few seasons that almost-everyone wanted to forget. And his successor had little-to-no success in '05/'06 as he bandaged the line-up with walk-ons, transfers and players that really didn't fit the Purdue mold. But the foundation of Matty's philosophy is well-embodied in Grant and Kramer.

Both were 3-star athletes, according to Rivals. Grant came to West Lafayette via Bridgton Academy Prep in Maine. He was offered by a slew of SEC programs who knew him from his HS career in Florida, as well as a team he'd later run into in the state of Washington, UW...but decided to come play for Matty. Kramer was known in the AAU ranks for his athleticism and ability to defend and break people down off the dribble. He was also known for his exploits on the football field as he passed for over 1,300 yards and ran for around 1,000.

They both played a ton as Freshman...honestly, they had to. But they answered the bell. Both ended their Frosh seasons with some noteworthy moments offensively...but, probably most-important to their coach, they both were in the top-5 all time for steals as Freshman- Kramer first, Grant, fifth.

That first year, Grant and Kramer both played a lot of point guard, played a few more minutes than might have been ideal and physically beat on themselves not backing down to the upper classmen they defended night-in, night-out. Along with Teague and Landry, they led Purdue to the NCAA tournament...where they beat the favored #8 seed Arizona Wildcats. The game is probably best-remembered for Kramer's shot from his knees. Purdue lost the next round to the later-crowned National Champ Florida Gators.



The next year, Kramer and Grant's hard-nosed, never-say die attitude taught the Baby Boilers what would be expected of them by their coach. Keaton Grant grew into one of the BT's best three-point shooters and the team's MVP. Kramer became the league's most-hated player (outside of West Lafayette, of course). Purdue's record improved to 24-8, and earned the Boilers the 6 seed. They were once again playing a team that the media was in love with, Baylor. Many thought Purdue couldn't keep up with Baylor's fast pace and size...They did, of course...the runnin' Boilers won 90-79. The next round, Purdue fell to the FF-bound Xavier Muskies.



In '08/'09, Expectations were high for the now-maturing Boilers. Purdue's identity as a defensively-minded team was well in place. But, in the off-season KG and Kramer both had surgery to help get the hobbled veterans back up to speed. Kramer was at 100% at the beginning of that season...but Grant wasn't. Gone was his explosiveness and along with that, the lack of reps in the off-season seemed to have adversely-affected his long-range jumper. Purdue battled during this season...Battled through Hummel's back injury, Kramer's ankle injury, and later broken nose, KG's recovery, and a flu that seemed to go around the team twice. But at the end of the season, everything kind of came together as the Boilers won the BTT title and earned a 5 seed. The first round, they beat Northern Iowa. But the next round, once-again, no one thought they could win as they were just three hours away from UW in Portland, OR (thanks committee). But, tough defense and a general angry demeanor fueled Purdue to victory. The next round, they lost to UConn...who went to the FF.



This season started off much-better than '08/'09. Everything was clicking. Grant's explosiveness had returned, Kramer swam Purdue to victory in the US Virgin Islands and the Boilers started off strong. After a hiccup in the mid-season, Purdue found its rhythm once-again and looked to be heading toward big things in the late season...and then, another ACL injury to one of The Big Three rocked the Boilers. In this injury, it seems harder to find the silver lining than the previous two that changed the trajectory of Grant and Kramer's collective college basketball career. And since then, Purdue has been all-but left for dead. But, Purdue did enough to win a share of the BT regular season title.

I think the easiest thing to do right now for many Purdue fans is begin looking toward the future. Lots of talent should be returning and a stacked recruiting class is on its way it...BUT, KG and Kramer are on their way out. Their importance to this team shouldn't be discounted. From clutch three-point shooting by Grant throughout the last four seasons to Kramer's uncanny knack to find a way to put himself in harm's way, these guys deserve a much better sendoff than what we saw Saturday night...We know it...and so do they.

Now, Purdue is once-again the underdog heading into the dance. Everyone points to Siena's tournament record, their athleticism and Purdue's rebounding woes as some of the reasons a victory by Siena wouldn't even be considered an upset.

Purdue's been pretty inconsistent in its offensive production of late, even before the Minny game...and looks like a team that is still trying to figure out its identity in the wake of Hummel's injury. This early spring isn't going at all like most Purdue fans thought it'd be going at this point, no doubt about that. And now, a season-long top-5 team who was staring at a possible 1 seed looks like it's now a long shot just to get out of the first round of the NCAA tourney.

So, if you need it, I'll give you two good reasons this team is still dangerous...and why you simply cannot give up on the Boilers.

More From JJ Productions

If you don't follow us on Twitter you may not be seeing all the great videos JaJuan Johnson keeps posting featuring the team. On Saturday, coming back from PSU and winning the Big Ten co-championship, the Boilers were in a fun mood. Check it out.



I absolutely LOVE the way these guys rip on each other and just seem to be having so much fun. This is probably not uncommon on good teams, but seriously, how great is it to see each of them taking a good-natured shot at another? Ripping Lew for his passing, KG taking ten years go get to 1,000 points, etc.

Good stuff. Keep laughin', boys. All the way to Indy.

Senior Profile: Keaton Grant

Tonight, Keaton Grant (or "kee-tawn," as Talent Tom Hamilton might call him) plays his last home game in a Boilermaker uniform.

There have been ups and downs with Keaton in many ways. For one thing, he was recruited during a fairly dark time for Purdue basketball, committing in March of '06, as the Boilers were wrapping up a 9-18 (3-13) season and saying goodbye to Gene Keady. He was rated 129 nationally by Rivals and was recruited by our old friend Cuonzo Martin.

Keaton has seen nothing but 20-win seasons in his time in West Lafayette, and people forget how good he looked when he was a sophomore. That year, KG averaged 11.2 points, 3.2 boards, shot 43% from the field and 44% (!) from three-point range. It looked like a star was in the making.

Unfortunately, Keaton's production did not continue its upward climb as he battled recovering from a knee injury last season. He played in all 37 games, but something was clearly not right with KG. Despite that, one of the good soldiers of Purdue basketball continued on, playing hard and gelling with his teammates. The "Baby Boilers" were coming of age and Keaton was content to let them shine (that's his way, he always walked a step behind).
This season KG's numbers continue to dip, to the point that he lost his starting gig earlier in the season. As it turned out, it was nice to have an experienced senior who could hit big shots coming off the bench, and this shake-up actually led to Kelsey Barlow getting really important minutes that will help benefit the Purdue basketball program for several years.

KG is averaging 6.5 ppg this year and had only had double digit scoring outputs against Central Michigan, Valpo and SIU-Edwardsville.... that is, until we needed him.

In the three games preceding the recent loss to MSU (in which absolutely no one played well), Keaton had scored 13, 15, and 10, averaged three rebounds a game, shot 52% from the field and 7-of-9 from the line. Superhuman numbers? No, of course not. But a wonderful compliment when the team needed him? Yes, indeed.

And, of course, perhaps his defining moment thus far this season -- after Rob Hummel crumpled to the floor with a shredded ACL in the first half against Minny, the team looked as discombobulated as they have in a long time. However, the ground their way back into it and down the stretch it was Keaton Grant who his three clutch shots to salt the game away, including the game-winning jumper with seven seconds left. As Boilerdowd pointed out, LewJack made a nice dish and KG simply rose up and fired the jumper, with zero hesitation. He owned that shot and was confident. He was the guy we've only seen glimpses of the past two seasons. He was the guy we miss. He was the guy we have really enjoyed having as a Boilermaker.

So tonight, when they introduce #5 for the last time at home in Boilermaker uniform, let him know you appreciate his service and his unselfish personality. This is a guy who said he came to Purdue because of the family feel he got when he visited from his home, far away in Kissimmee, Florida.
Let's make him feel like part of the family one more time.

Indy Star Purdue Hoops Preview

Man, these guys look tough. Kramer is peering into your soul. Hummel has sneakers the size of a schooner. E'Twaun looks chiseled (did he do some pushups right before the shoot, like I would?).

The Indy Star puts forth a preview article, fortunately not written by Terry Hutchens.

The 2008-2009 Season -- How We Got Here

Doing season wrap-ups at year end is always kind of anticlimactic and, really, just a space-filler. You've got nothing else to talk about so you do a wrap-up. So let's talk now for a minute about the current basketball season and how we got to where we are.

And where is that exactly? That's back to a very nice place to be... that place where you "contol your own destiny." Which sounds a bit more grand than it is. If I could literally "control my own destiny," I'd steer said destiny towards a place where I was independently wealthy and Jennifer Love Hewitt was on staff for no other reason than to be a motorboating companion.

Anyway, the Boilermakers are now 9-4 in the Big Ten, one game behind the Spartans and in control of whether or not they win the Big Ten regular season title.

Looking Back

Looking back on the season, we all expected big things from this team. And Boilerdowd noted right away that our expectations -- and the national media's -- were too high:

"Let's keep things under control," he warned, "Teams full of freshman don't often play like our guys did last year. They were playing over their heads."

"Also... I like a man's ass in bicycle shorts. What can I say?"

Okay, so he didn't say all of that, but you get the idea. And it's true -- last year's team was an aberration. No, it's not that these guys aren't good -- they are. But that it could all come together so well and that our boys could contend for the Big Ten title while being so very young.

Then this season came along, injuries plagued the team and an inexplicable 0-2 start happened. Suddenly, things were very different -- quickly. The hopes for a Big Ten title vanished and it simply became about having a good season. Hummel's back worsened, even as the team ran through six straight wins.

Looking back, though, at the losses, you could make a case that this team should be 12-1 in Big Ten play.

The 71-67 loss at Mackey to Illinois -- hit our free throws, even a little bit, and that's a win.

The 67-64 road loss to PSU -- come on, it's PSU. No excuse.

The 80-72 road loss to OSU -- I don't care if Hummel was out. JJ scored 30 and we had the ball for the last possetion of a tied game. Should be a win.

The road loss at Illinois was a sound defeat from start to finish.

Looking Ahead

So what's my point? I have no idea.

Oh, right... that things can go in different directions so easily and so quickly. This team went from media darling to 0-2 bust to gutty team to conference contender. And it feels like each switch happened in a matter of days. Could they be that team that gets their act together in March and wins four in a row to make the Final Four?

We suppose, but we agree here at BS that the Boilermakers time is a year or two away. This year's squad is indeed gutty -- but they're way too thin and injured to make a deep run, at least logic would say so. You can't rotate just seven guys -- with only 4 or 5 truly healthy -- and expect to keep up with the teams you'll need to beat in March. Would we be completely gobsmacked if they made it to Detroit? No. But we don't expect it to happen just yet.

Back in the beginning of the season, we said that a successful year would be consistently being ranked in the top 15 and making a run to a Sweet 16 berth. That looks strangely intelligent right now, mainly because we're S-M-R-T.

As for what's immediately ahead, there are five regular season games left.

Tomorrow against IU should be a win.

Next Thurs @ UM should be a win, but of course has us worried.

Two days later hosting OSU should be a win, but will not be a cakewalk.

March 4 against Northwestern -- there's no excuse to not win that one.

And then the finale in East Lansing. If the same smothering defense shows, I don't care how prepared MSU is and how much they remember their ass-whipping in WestLaf -- it won't matter. However, I have to believe the Spartans will hold serve at home in this one.

If the Boilers win the Big Ten regular season crown, we here at BS say take a dive in the Big Ten tourney. You gain little and could instead rest your guys. That rest is more valuable to this team.

What have we learned about these Boilermakers?

When JuJuan Johnson cuts to the bucket and puts down a beastly dunk (like the one pictured above), you should have a good feeling because it means good things. He's done this a number of times, and it always seems like a giant awakening, like a guy saying, "Okay, enough of this bullsh-t. I'm taking this mofo over."

We've also learned that JJ is a legit threat whenever he has the ball. The overpowering dunks are one thing, but the ability to pick-and-roll nicely as well as put in soft-touch baskets in the lane -- sometimes even while falling down -- creates a comfortable feeling. You can tell when Johnson's on and who doesn't like it when their Johnson is standing tall? Wait, I mean.... oh, never mind.

We've also learned that Big Shot Rob Hummel is someone the Boilers CAN play without. They've had to practice all season without him, so seeing the team get better at playing without him only makes sense. Now it feels like a team that is good enough to win on a lot of nights even if Robbie's not playing -- and when he gets in there, it's like having a sudden extra weapon. Boilerdowd and I also learned on a visit to campus on 1/31 that Robbie can have any freshman girl at Purdue he wants. When we stopped a group of frosh girls to ask some trivia about Purdue (video forthcoming....one day...), one of the things we asked, just randomly, was who the best current player is. Without hesitation, and with that little girl, starry-eyed voice, they chimed, "Robbie Hummel." Oh, Robbie, you lucky dog.

If there was any doubt, Chris Kramer is the heart and soul of this team. He's a cocky boy, yes, but he's a co-captain for a reason (why KG is, I'm not sure, actually). His defense is the very definition of "smothering" and he's managed to piss off some of the smoothest and most talented offensive players to come through the Big Ten recently. I also know of several females who would not be bothered at all by having Chris Kramer in their personal space. Take note, Manny Harris.

We've learned a little more about who Keaton Grant is. He's not the guy who used to be more of an offensive weapon. It's time to deal with that fact. KG is a complementary player who, when he's feeling it, puts up beautiful rainbow threes.

We've learned that Bobby "Buckets" Riddell should be treated as more than a walk-on. Fortunately, it looks like Matt(y) has realized it as well, as Buckets is seeing time in the first half these days. This guy is a solid baller and he passed up opportunities to be the man at D-II and D-III schools just because he wanted to play for the black and gold. This, of course, makes us love him even more. His solid shooting and decision-making doesn't hurt, either.

We've learned that a lot of us don't like Nemmy Calasan. He likes to take ill-advised, boob-ass three pointers from the top of the key. Yes, Nem, have you ever wondered why you're open for those so often? You're not Detlef Schempf. (Dowd thinks Painter allows this to keep Nemmy happy.)

So those are just some of what we've learned thus far this season. Hopefully there will be more to learn.

Like how Jennifer Love Hewitt looks it a lavender-ish catsuit.

Built for speed or comfort?

More On The New Unis

As we've discussed here, the Boilers are switching uniforms. And much like Iowa, they're just doing it midseason. Hey, why the hell not? Nike donates money to put their swoosh on our scoreboards and their unis on our guys, so they get to make the call. Great world we live in.

Thanks to the site, Crawfordsville Area Sports Blog for the photos below. Let's take a look.

I have to say, I definitely like the black and I think the outline makes the numbers very readable, but my first thought about this one is that it reminds me of those dark Oregon jerseys. Not saying it's logical, but the dark on dark reminds me of them.

Keaton, keep your eyes front and center, son. BoilerGal has first dibs on CK.

Is it me, or should CK take a size larger in that jersey?


And here's my main complaint... in this photo and the above one, I especially notice it -- when I glance over the pictures, it looks to me like they're wearing shirts and neckties underneath the new jerseys. All-in-all, I think we can all agree we like them. And, of course, we'll need to see them in action.

Unless we're mistaken, that action will be tonight, as our Boilers host the MSU Spartans. If we're going to beat them, tonight's the night, folks.

Thanks again to Crawfordsville Area Sports Blog for the photos.

UPDATE: Special thanks to an anonymous reader who pointed out that during the press conference, it was announced that Nike would provide alternate unis in gold for next season. When next season? Who knows. Probably 2/3 of the way through the year. Said reader also provided a link letting us know that one Painter-coached squad has worn the golds and it was his first season against IU. Check this out for the visual evidence. (I really like those, by the way, especially with the black down the sides.)

Kramer, Grant and Hummel Named Captains

Matt(y) Painter made his announcement of the tri-captains for the 2008-2009 basketball season yesterday while also announcing that John Hart will redshirt this season.

Your tri-captains for this season will be Robbie Hummel, Keaton Grant and Chris Kramer.

I think it's pretty cool that Robbie will be a co-captain and this fact is just a continuation of Hummel's abilities and accolades growing so much faster than any of us thought they would. And when you think about it, these guys definitely embody what it means to be a captain.

Tonight's game can't get here fast enough.

Boiler Up!

Chris Kramer reacts with his happy face about being named co-captain

Keaton Grant pensively thinks about being a co-captain on this prodigious Boilermakers team

Baby Boilers Toddling...

In a move that gets Purdue closer still to dropping the "Baby" from Baby Boilers, Keaton Grant and Co. traveled into a less-than-hostile Carver-Hawkeye arena to win a big game. The league, by most accounts, is filled with non-descript teams...no one is great. Purdue, at this point, fits that opinion. The difference is, Purdue seems to be gaining a bit of momentum and might be starting a significant run that could lead them to the tournament.

Purdue followed my formula to success as at least one player stepped up to score 20 points. Grant reached his career high with 22, but E'Twaun Moore's play impressed me as much as anybody's. He created and made a couple key buckets when Purdue needed them most. In case you have Comcast (which I do, but watched it at a local watering hole), here's the deal- both teams really got after it, but Purdue's free throw shooting, three-point shooting and slashing made the difference.

The next game v. Illinois should be a mere confidence-builder as the beleaguered Illini are simply not playing well this season. That said, they have good, veteran size that could give Purdue fits since, as you know, Purdue's bigs are neither bulky nor experienced. What I'm hoping for is a four-game winning streak heading into the Wisconsin game in West Lafayette. Maybe these young kids will be believing that they actually can finish out a good team by that point...Plus, the students and the rest of Mackey might be reminiscent of '94 if the next few games unfold positively. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

One thing that really bothered me in this victory is that Purdue seemed to rely too heavily on taking three pointers instead of driving and dishing to create open mid-range jumpers. If they keep that up, my dream for a winning streak will be over in a hurry. You live by the three, and die by it as well.

Another Zo

Keaton Grant continues looking like a dead-eye shooter as the Boilers season progresses. Grant is reminding me more and more of Cuonzo Martin the way he is shooting from behind the three-point line. Is he the offensive threat that this Purdue team desperately needs? Perhaps.

Purdue beat a not-so-great Michigan team in a game in which they couldn't put the Wolverines away...But there are some real positives in this one. First, the Baby Boilers continue to learn the importance of free throw shooting. Without shooting for a high percentage from the charity stripe Saturday, they wouldn't have won. Second, the Boilers handled a 1-3-1 defense pretty well (at times)...and most importantly got the "W". Purdue struggled mightily against both Clemson and Missouri's 1-3-1. Part of the reason they did so much better is because of the shooting of Grant and others. You must be able to shoot to beat a zone. Furthermore, unless you show that you can shoot, teams will start to key in on the fact that Purdue simply can't succeed v. zone defenses...this win might make them think twice and will definitely help the Baby Boilers stay confident as they continue to learn how to win.

Hummel continues to be the best all-around player on the team. His defense took UM out of their rhythm when it looked like they'd overtake the Boilers and his offensive tenacity on the glass kept the ball alive on a more than one possession in the second half. I'm still awaiting E'Twan's coming out part (I think he'll break out for a 25-or-so point game this season).

I'm not going to say this game is anymore than a win over a less-than-average Big Ten opponent. But, it is the best start for a Purdue team under Painter...If the Baby Boilers can put together a stretch like the end of the '06-'07 season, Purdue might sneak into the dance again this season. We shall see. Regardless, it's better to be 1-0 than 0-1.

(Disregard the video below...I screwed up)