Hummel Solves Foul Trouble, Returns To Form In 66-46 Win

BY LEROY BRIDGES
Times Correspondent

WEST LAFAYETTE | Sophomore forward Robbie Hummel solved his foul troubles and Purdue fans finally got to see the Hummel who was voted preseason Big Ten Player of the Year Saturday.
The Valparaiso grad dropped 20 points and grabbed 11 boards in No. 11 Purdue’s 66-46 routine win against Coppin State (1-1). His sixth-career double-double came in 26 minutes of play, which is the most he’s played in a game this season.
“I got to watch a lot film with coach Ray and coach Lusk and they figured out what I was doing wrong and why I was picking up a lot of cheap fouls,” Hummel said. “I felt like I got in more of a flow tonight.”
Hummel said he wasn’t moving his feet well on the defensive end in the team’s first three games. He had four fouls in two of those games but Saturday he committed only one foul.
“I think it was good for him and good from a fan’s standpoint to be able to watch him play and stay in the game,” said coach Matt Painter. “He just needs to play. He needs to get out there and get some minutes.”
Fellow Region teammate E’Twaun Moore (E.C. Central) loaded up the stat sheet, too. Moore, who became the first player to log at least 30 minutes in a game this season, had 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks; however, the 3-point shooting woes continued. Moore shot 1-of-5 from deep and the team finished 6-of-22.
“If we keep taking open shots, they will fall,” Moore said. “It’s going to fall some time. It can’t get no worse.”
Purdue’s inability to hit those 3s was frustrating for Painter who wants his players to change their mindset offensively if their shots aren’t falling. Entering Saturday’s game the Boilers were shooting 35 percent from long range.
“I thought we were inconsistent (offensively) and shot too many 3s. That’s something that’s remained consistent for us, we’re shooting a lot of 3s and not at a high percentage,” Painter said. “It’s something we’re going to have to take a hard look at. We have to probe the defense a little more.”
The Boilers don’t have long to correct their shooting because they travel to New York early this week to face Boston College in the NIT Season Tip-Off semifinals.
Coppin State’s leading scorer was its senior leader Tywain McKee with 17 points. McKee battled foul trouble and turned the ball over six times.

Published in the Northwest Indiana Times on Nov. 23, 2008.

Matt Painter's Hair Changes, He Doesn't

By Leroy Bridges
Executive Reporter

In four years at Purdue, Matt Painter has been through it all.
And yet the only thing that’s changed about the guy who landed a dream job at the age of 34 is his hair.
“Getting grayer,” said his wife, Jerri, about what’s changed with her husband since becoming head coach at Purdue. “It’s like a picture of the president before and after the term.”
Four years ago, an ambitious Painter walked into Morgan Burke’s office with a full-head of black hair and a national title on his mind. Burke knew from talking with legendary Purdue coach Gene Keady and Illinois coach Bruce Weber that Painter was ready to take on a restoration project.
“Gene and Bruce watched him evolve,” Burke said. “Bruce’s comment was ‘If Purdue isn’t going to hire him, someone else in the Big Ten will.’”
Despite a nine-win season in year one, Painter has led Purdue to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments and a heap of attention this season. Burke’s not surprised by Painter’s early success but it does make him smile.
“I think he’s been exactly what we thought we would get,” Burke said. “We thought we had a guy who had an intensity and a love for the game.”
Painter’s ability to motivate players without “browbeating” them impresses assistant coach Rick Ray on a daily. That knack for pushing players has been evident from day one and is a staple to Painter’s coaching success, Ray said.
“That’s something refreshing because the players put it upon themselves because if the guys don’t play hard they hold each other accountable,” Ray said.
Senior guard Marcus Green was a part of Painter’s first recruiting class and appreciates Painter’s ability to get the most out of him every day without bullying him.
“He’s created a situation where we play hard because we don’t want to let the team down and that’s enjoyable,” Green said. “I would hate to see him when he has six or seven All Americans on the court.
“He’s doing great right now and if he continues it, people better watch out for him.”
Painter knows he’s fortunate. From time to time he reminds himself of the profession he lives every day even if it brings more gray hair.
“If I am not the coach here, I guarantee (Purdue) still has a season. I don’t take that for granted,” Painter said. “I try to teach (the team) the same beliefs. We’re all very lucky to be in this position.”
Painter’s position entering this season is a long way from when he trotted into Burke’s office spouting his dreams of winning a national title at Purdue. The preseason No. 11 Boilers return all five starters, including the team’s MVP, junior guard Keaton Grant; the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, junior guard Chris Kramer; and the Big Ten’s Preseason Player of the Year, sophomore forward Robbie Hummel.
“I think it’s always amazing how fast everything goes. It seems like you’re a freshman and you turn around and you’re a senior,” Painter said. “Time flies. That’s why you have to enjoy it while it’s happening. You have to make your hard work fun.”
Painter and his Boilers begin their fun tonight in their first regular season game. Tip-off is at 9 p.m. in Mackey Arena against Detroit Mercy.

Published in the Purdue Exponent in November 2008.

Season Preview Guide Page 6

Another inside page and this time it's with JaJuan Johnson and Chris Reid on it.

Season Preview Guide Page 4

Another inside page and this time it's with Ryne Smith and Mark Wohlford. This page also has a story I wrote about the team growing up.

Season Preview Guide Page 3

Another inside page and this time it's with Lewis Jackson and Chris Kramer on it.

Season Preview Guide Page 2

This is one of the player profile pages that displayed the majority of the guide's content. This page has Robbie Hummel and Keaton Grant on it. We contacted players' parents to get childhood photos of them to complete this guide. Everything from creating the crayon-effect to the cutout blocks to the composition of the guide was done by me.

Growin' Up

This was the cover for the 2008-09 men's basketball season preview guide. This photo was coordinated with the College Mentors for Kids and the men's basketball team and was one of the most stressful days of my life. ;)