Boiler hopes destroyed with Hummel's ACL

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By Matt Muncy, March 4, 2010

The Purdue Boilermakers were a favorite to make the Final Four in Indianapolis this year and possibly win their first National Championship. They were ranked fourth in the nation to start the season.

 

As the season went on, the predictions seemed to be correct. Purdue was unstoppable until they met Wisconsin on January 9. They suffered their first loss of the season and then lost the next two Big Ten games, as well. They found themselves on a three-game losing streak at 14-3 (2-3 Big Ten) — not how the Boilers were suppose to be playing.

They righted the ship, though, and began a win streak that was pushed to 10 this past Wednesday when they played the Minnesota Gophers.

 

It was also the same game they lost their best player.

 

As Hummel drove to the basket, his knee buckled beneath him and he collapsed. This was not the first time Boiler fans had witnessed Hummel go down in pain and visions of last year came screaming back.

 

Everyone knew Hummel was seriously injured, but no necessarily to what extent. A day later fans learned he tore his ACL, ending his season.

 

Goodbye Big Ten regular season championship. Goodbye Big Ten tournament championship. Goodbye National Championship.

 

In one quick moment all hopes of an unforgettable season were smashed. Now the season will be unforgettable for another reason, the season the Boilers fell short.

Purdue lost their leader – one of the nation’s best players – along with his 15.8 points per game and 7.2 rebounds-per-game. He was second and first on the team in each category, respectively.

 

For the Boilers this can be compared to the Chicago Bulls losing Michael Jordan to baseball.

 

Purdue has no depth at the power forward position and Hummel’s leadership cannot be replicated. They still have JuJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore, who have been part of the success, but neither can replace Hummel.

 

Hummel’s 6’8 frame will be missed, as Purdue’s roster has just four players 6’8 or taller, which had caused problems for the Boilers as it was.

 

Purdue will throw in 6’4 Keaton Grant to replace Hummel, which leaves Johnson as the loan true big man on the floor at 6’10. Another option is freshman Patrick Bade who is 6’8”, but he has yet to prove himself this season.

 

Bade has played in every game this season, yet only has eight points in Big Ten play and has shown signs of his young age.

 

The freshman class was suppose to be like Hummel’s freshman class, but only one player has made it into the starting lineup to contribute to the team significantly, Kelsey Barlow.

 

A lot can happen between now and the tournament. Purdue could surprise everyone and win the Big Ten regular and post-season championships and then make a run at the Final Four. While the first two are plausible, the Final Four and Championship runs seem to be at least another year away.