PURDUE BOILERMAKERS - NCAA TOURNAMENT READY

The new season is underway a little earlier than expected in West Lafayette, but all for the better.  It is always better to have the ability to start anew.  Speaking of new, I saw a new look on Matty's face last night.  A look of, shall we call it, "Keady-ism?"  As soon as he realized we didn't have our heads on straight, he lost it.  Painter has put a lot of faith into his prized recruits, or lack thereof.  I am just fine with the group of players we have for the present and near future, but there's plenty truth to the idea that in the Michigan State game, Coach Keady would have brought the walk-ons to the court in the first half.  Painter stuck with his guys, and Lewis Jackson getting pulled is an exception.  Lew-Jack was obviously less than 100 percent mentally after Kalin buried 3 jumpers in his dome.  E'twaun couldn't hold him.  Neither could the Big Ten DPOY, or whatever meaningless title he carries. 

The seniors are in charge.  I wish I had time to watch the game tape.  I need to see how many time Smooge made a serious effort to get JJ a good shot.  The best and most undefendable mid-range shooter in college basketball(my opinion) has to work way to hard to get open looks on this Purdue team.  He jacks 3's up out of pure, selfish, frustration.  When our seniors are not being selfish, they are the best pair around.  This team is in serious need of a vocal leader on the floor right now.  Mr. Moore is my delegate, he holds the weapons we need to unleash.

ARSENAL

Offensive Attack: Painter will never let this leak, but we must appreciate the idea that he is saving his silver-arrows for the last level of Zelda.  Anbody remember Linc Darner?  Expect more assists for Moore, no pun intended.

Defense: Chest out, steppin' on toes.

Special Attack: A surprise attack used early and often when teams are "vulnerable."  Die-hard Purdue fans have awaited this option for months now, it involves a "damn" substitution, without giving it away for our competitors.  Do I make myself clear?  He looked like a human missile a few times in the last game.  Also believe Hart can succeed in this position, as well as Lew-Jack and TJ.  We can run it all game...

Focus on Unselfishness: Mark my words, this year's winners in the tournament will have senior leaders that bring the best out of their underclassmen teammates with traditional team basketball on display.

Coaching: No more technicals for Painter.  Just clear the damn bench next time.  Bubba Day shoulda played in the Michigan State game, but I do appreciate the new charge of life shown by Matty.  He is still a young Coach compared to his competitors.  Guys like Izzo and Bo Ryan give him all sorts of tricks to use once we get out of this league.

Seeding and Matchups: This is just pure luck anyways, look at how they semi-screw us every year...Duke was given a yellow-brick road to last year's final four...Funny how luck is the only thing that separates us sometimes.  We can still get lucky, but let's try to get good first.  We're back to wondering how good we are.  But, wait!  We already know!