After a wonderful time in Purdue basketball that was the last four years, we have come to a season that is just a bit different. I come to this site and see folks whose spirits seem to cover the gamut of emotion. There are those complaining about CMP's new salary, and some going as far as to say he should have gone to Columbia. Some say that this is just a down year and we will be back after the next tow recruiting classes. I have even seen some who have not counted us out of a single game the rest of this season (I admire your optimism).

With that being said, I am curious as to what everyone's expectations are for the Purdue basketball program. Not just this year or next, the program as a whole. I am an alumnus and JPC member. I grew up in an iu house, but always liked Purdue. I grew up during Gene Keady's tenure and got to see the fine teams he coached in the 80's and 90's. I do bleed black and old gold, but I do not wear blinders, I am a realist. This is what I EXPECT Purdue basketball to do on a yearly basis:

1. Outwork every team we play
2. Play great defense
3. Compete in every game
4. Compete for the Big Ten Championship
5. Make the NCAA tournament
6. Get to the second round of the tournament

I think these are realistic expectations and when the team falls short of them, especially the first two, I get frustrated and upset. In basketball, Purdue is among the elite regular season programs. We have had troubles in the tournament, but there is a reason we hold winning records over EVERYONE else in our conference and the most Big Ten Championships. We are not duke, kansas, or connecticut, I accept this for now. CMP called out Purdue for not having a commitment to our program and, to my surprise, MB proved otherwise. With the new facilities, salary money, and recruiting budget, hopefully there comes a day when I can raise my expectations.