Zachary Lyon:
Future150 Regional Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball: NC, SC & VA
West Lafayette, IN (Future150) -- The Big Dance is finally here and while everyone would like to cut down the nets, there can only be one champion. That being said, there is always the chance that the next season could be better than the last. With that in mind, Future150 would like to introduce "The Next Step", a segment dedicated to breaking down each program's recruitng class as they bow out of the tournament; because there's always next season.
The Boilermakers had a fantastic regular season, and made a run to the Big Ten conference championship where they lost to MSU. In the first round of the big dance, Purdue caught Arkansas Little-Rock on a day where they were sick with the upset bug.
Even though Purdue loses A.J. Hammons and four other seniors to graduation, they have a very solid group returning consisting of Vince Edwards, Isaac Haas, Kendall Stephens, and P.J. Thompson. Super frosh Caleb Swanigan could be back as well, but most expect him to turn pro.
Now enter Future150 Alum Carsen Edwards into the mix and you have another very talented Purdue squad that could be in the thick of things in the Big Ten during the 2016-17 season. Edwards is a special type of floor general, and has the talent to come in and contribute right away. His athleticism, basketball IQ, and overall ability to make plays will help him translate to the high major level of D1 basketball quite smoothly.
It's understandable to expect Purdue to take a dip after losing some tough nosed, talented seniors. But, next season's squad could be just as good if they gel and mold the right way.
Comments:
Be the first to post. Just use the form below.