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Instead of having one scholarship open next season it looks like there will be two. John Hart, expected to be a fifth year senior, has announced that he is transferring from Purdue:
John Hart transferring from Purdue to use his last year of eligibility at a different university.
This is not much of a surprise, as his transfer has been rumored for some time. If he receives his degree here in May he can be immediately eligible for his final season as long as he pursues a graduate degree that Purdue does not offer.
I am disappointed though. I had high hopes for John next year as a possible three-point shooter off the bench. His departure leaves us with only two seniors for next season in Dru Anthrop (a former walk-on) and D.J. Byrd.
Still, we have had some great moments with John Hart, and the 2010 Big Ten championship would not have happened if not for him. He had two huge moments that year in that title run. His surprise night off the bench at Illinois was one as Matt Painter shook up the lineup so much that he wasn't even int he official score book. He still came in and scored 14 points in the 84-78.
Hart also hit the three-pointer that stopped the bleeding in That Game at Minnesota. It was his only basket of the night, but it stopped a 17-0 run after Robbie Hummel's injury and set the stage for Keaton Grant's game-winner later on.
Unfortunately, John was never healthy at Purdue. injuries curtailed his sophomore and junior seasons, and now it looks like he won't be in West Lafayette for next season. With two scholarships open this almost assures that Anthrop will be on scholarship again. Neal Beshears will also likely pick up a scholarship for a year unless we get a one year transfer or last minute signee.
I wish John well. Without him, Purdue does not have a Big Ten Championship two seasons ago. Thank you for your contributions, and you will always be a Boilermaker.