The Baby Boiler : CBSSports.com Blogs

Summit League Preseason Predictions

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 21:51:42 EST

1. South Dakota State

The team that made the dance last year. The team that returns the best player in the Summit League. The team that everybody has heard about. Did I mention they just went into New Mexico and upset the Lobos? South Dakota State has a three headed monster in Wolters/Dykstra/Fiegen. Nate Wolters is still the POY leader in the Summit League. They stumbled big time at Belmont shooting only 27%; however, it has been their only big stumble. Although they have not taken ahold of the conference like some thought they would, the Jackrabbits have contended with Minnesota and took Alabama to the buzzer. They do not turn over the basketball and can rebound with the best of them. This appears to be another good year for the Summit League and South Dakota State is leading the pack.

Big Ten Power Rankings (as of 1-14)

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:44:53 EST

After roughly two or so weeks of Big Ten play, here is my take on the league:

1. Michigan State (3-0)- Playing better than any team in the big ten. They look like the best team by far right now. But can they hold it together until march?

2. Minnesota (3-1)- Only loss was to conference leader Michigan State by 12 points. This team is on a three game winning streak and they look to contend.

3. Purdue (1-2)- Ok so they are in third place right? Not deserving of third right? Wrong! This team lost those two games to Illinois and Penn State due to not having Robbie Hummel and Chris Krammer. And then when both players were healthy in the Wisconsin game they played 40 minutes of good basketball. That's why they are #3.

Big Ten Season

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 23:34:20 EST

Big Ten fans in general have many questions about their teams heading the start of Big Ten play:

1. Purdue: Will their perimeter shooting come together and can Johnson emerge as a big time interior player. Is a big man the only thing Purdue is missing?

2. Michigan State: Can they overcome their poor play at the begining of the year and win the Big Ten? I know Suton was missing and they beat Texas in Austin but if they play like the first month you can just call them a one and done in the tourney.

3. Wisconsin: Can they contend for a Big Ten title? In my opinion, after watching them lose to Texas, Wisconsin lacks a go to player. If the team can come together and Trevon Hughes or Mr. Bohanon can step up, they can contend. Count on their defense being their strength this year though (like I need to tell Big Ten fans this because their D has been one of the best in the Big Ten the last number of years).

Putting Football Aside, Basketball Look for Title

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:02:39 EDT

Maybe one Painter can't do crap this season, but Matt Painter's Boilers might not be termed the baby boilers this year. Halloween night is just 18 short days away and midnight madness is this weekend. But with the smell of burning leaves apon us, Purdue and Big Ten fans alike have one question about this team: How good is this team?

Looking at last years squad that exceeded expectations by an overwelming amount wasn't supposed to win. How many times have you seen a team exceed expectations the previous year, only to miss the tournament the next year and dissapoint many? Just take a look at Clemson football who basically canned Bowden earlier today. He was 3-3 but supposed to win the ACC. Is this what is going to happen to the Boilers?

We Can Only Crush IU once!

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:14:49 EDT

Why cant we just add 2 more Big Ten games or keep our rivalries alive? As the Purdue football team begins its season on Saturday, today it takes back seat to the basketball team because the schedule came out today.

Of course, we have known about the Wooden Tradition game vs Davidson for sometime and the ACC/Big Ten Challange game at Mackey vs Duke since April but Purdue plays IU ONCE this year! The first year in a long time that we would beat them at Assembly Hall and we only are going to hand theirs to them once! Oh well, I guess it helps our RPI in the long run/

Non conference games include the teams involved in the Preseason NIT, one away game at Ball State, games against instate D-1 teams such as Indiana State, IPFW, and Valparaiso, and two exhibiton games against Florida Southern and Northern State starting Halloween night.

Pride

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:10:07 EDT

Any Purdue fan would say they were proud of the effort and play of such a young team this year. In most of the preseason polls, Purdue was predicted to finish 5th or 6th. Heck, Digger probably had them finishing 10th or 11th. Yes they came up a little short against a very good Xavier team that should finish off West Virginia, but to just reach the NCAA tournament, finish second in the big ten, and advance one more round then an Indiana team that had more talent (o.k. maybe they did give up) is extremely special. This program is making great strides to be back to where they were in the late 80's and 90's. Of course I'm too young to remember those glorious days, Purdue has the coaching and talent that will bring you a long ways.

ESPN Hates Us

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 22:55:19 EDT

Why don't they give Purdue any air time. No highlights, nothing. Of course Digger is an idiot and will always hate Purdue, but that isn't all. Gottlib had us getting blown away by Baylor's athleticism but Purdue showed the country that wasn't at all the case. We are a good team and ESPN needs to recognize that. Purdue will be in the top 25 for the next number of years. Heck, (I hope I'm not getting ahead of myself)they might even get a two or one seed next year or the year after. At least Parrish likes us. :)

On a side note, Xavier is one heck of a team. They are an amazing group that could go a long ways. But there are questions to this ballclub. Are they slipping after losing to St. Joe in the A-10 tourney and struggling against Georgia. I remember Lavender against Purdue in Oklahoma the year Purdue lost Chris Booker. He played amazing and even hit the game winning shot with a few seconds left. Despite his size, he is one heck of a player. If Kramer can shut him down and the supporting cast can hit some shots and play some hard "in your face" defense, I believe we will win.