Projected Starting Lineup
G – Chris Kramer 6-3 Jr. (28.8 MPG, 6.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG)
G – E’Twaun Moore 6-3 So. (30.6 MPG, 12.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG)
G – Keaton Grant 6-4 Jr. (28.5 MPG, 11.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG)
F – Robbie Hummel 6-8 So. (28.5 MPG, 11.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG)
F – Nemanja Calasan 6-9 Sr. (17.9 MPG, 6.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG)

Impact Bench Players
G – Lewis Jackson 5-9 Fr. (3-Star Prospect)
G – Marcus Green 6-4 Sr. (16.0 MPG, 4.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG)
F – JaJuan Johnson 6-10 So. (16.6 MPG, 5.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG)

Guards
Purdue returns its three starting guards from a season ago, and they only lost senior Tarrance Crump who didn’t play that much and won’t be missed much. Kramer will return as the starting PG, and he’s not going to wow you, but he runs the offense well, and he led the team with over two steals per game last season. SG E’Twaun Moore could be the best player on the team, as he’s a smart player who can pass and shoot the perimeter shot very well. Keaton Grant rounds out the starting trio, and he’s also a very accurate 3 point shooter who will be active from out there. Coming off the bench once again will be Marcus Green, one of only two seniors that will see significant playing time. His experience will be helpful once the conference season rolls around. Also coming off the bench will be Lewis Jackson, a small PG who is known for his tenacity.

Forwards
Depth could be a problem at this position for Purdue after freshman Scott Martin transferred in the offseason. They didn’t bring in a solid recruit or have anyone off the bench that is good enough to step up. That means Hummel, Calasan, and Johnson are going to need to stay out of foul trouble and be prepared for more minutes. Hummel had an outstanding freshman year, and is a great all-around player. He led the team in rebounding, but was also their best 3 point and free throw shooter. Calasan and Johnson split time starting last season and will both mix in with similar minutes. Johnson is probably the better player of the two, but Calasan’s senior leadership may get him the starting job. Johnson is the better defender, so you’ll definitely see him out there when Purdue needs stops.

Final Thoughts
Of Purdue’s nine impact players last season, they return seven heading into the year including all five starters. That was an incredibly young Purdue team that only lost three games in conference so they should be much better since all those guys are more experienced. Opposing teams need to make them put the ball on the floor because they’ve got three guys that aren’t afraid to shoot the 3 ball and are very good at it. Another thing we love about this team is that Painter has come in and instilled this team with a defensive mindset. They were excellent at forcing turnovers and blocking shots last season. The Boilermakers could certainly use one more threat on offense, but it’s clear that they are the team to beat in the Big 10. And if all goes right, they could be a sleeper team to advance to the Elite 8.

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