2006 Purdue Boilermakers Basketball Preview

2006 Purdue Boilermakers Basketball Predictions

Last season the Purdue Boilermakers (9-19 overall and 3-13 Big 10) were the worst team in the conference. But this season, the club possesses the potential to break into the middle of the pack. Talented sophomores and freshmen abound, while a key senior at forward could be the difference maker.

Senior guard David Teague, who wore a redshirt last season, brings strong “D” and some fine 3-point offense to the court. Swingman Nate Minnoy (10.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, 50.5 FG%, 43.8 FT%) is a wide body who can give defenders fits but needs to hit the foul shot with more consistency. Tarrance Crump— who wore a redshirt last season-- can get the ball to the open guy or hit the key shot. Freshman Keaton Grant will provide immediate offense and versatility. Chris Kramer, another frosh, will be given a good look.

Senior forward Carl Landry (15.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 55.8 FG%, 83.9 FT%), who was hobbled by a sore knee last year, can score in bunches when healthy. If he’s ready to play, look for Landry to pour in points. Swingman Gordon Watt, a transfer from Boston College, brings a tough junkyard dog quality to the court. Freshman swingman Dan Vandervieren has sound hands and size, while fellow frosh Jonathan Uchendu will also bring size—6’ 11” and 205 pounds—to the front.

Matt Painter, who took over the Boilermakers last season, inherited a thin team. After a difficult first season, things are looking up for Painter’s platoon. There’s depth on-hand along with returning players that possess significant experience. A good mix of new, veteran and redshirted players should make this coaches’ second season much brighter.

Over the past eight years, the Boilermakers have turned out six losing seasons. Although the NCAA Tournament is unlikely, a NIT berth is certainly reachable. A Big 10 title is not on the immediate horizon for Purdue, but it could be just a year or two away. Soon this team will be a contender. Fifth to seventh place in the Big 10 looks possible.

If you want more info on the 2006 Purdue Boilermakers College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Illinois Fighting Illini and Michigan Wolverines.