Embark on this journey for a moment.
Imagine a college basketball team that won 29 games last year and spent seven weeks at the top of the AP Top 25. Now picture the same team returning the reigning national player of the year and all but two rotation players. Additionally, envision this team opening the new season by winning the most loaded Maui Invitational in history, defeating three consecutive opponents ranked no worse than No. 11 in the nation.
If this team was Duke, Kentucky, or UCLA, it would be lauded as an early national title favorite. However, since it’s Purdue, there’s pushback and skepticism. Purdue will never get the respect they deserve until they shed their reputation of March underachievers, even after impressive victories at the Allstate Maui Invitational.
The Boilermakers rallied past fast-paced Gonzaga on Monday and won a tough semifinal over Tennessee. They continued their journey by outlasting Marquette, capturing a 78-75 victory, ultimately securing the Maui Invitational title. The imminent AP poll release is anticipated to vault the second-ranked Boilermakers to No. 1 after a convincing win in the title game, positioning them as early season darlings.
However, Purdue’s NCAA tournament history taints their perception. Undefeated in the early season, Purdue’s tournament futility has led to skepticism, overshadowing their strong resume. The team has raced to a 6-0 start, resembling last year’s squad but exhibiting deeper, bolder, and more athletic prowess.
Zach Edey has emerged as a dominant force for Purdue, asserting his presence in college basketball. Guard Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith have shown remarkable progress, leading the Boilermakers to a compelling start. Notably, transfers Lance Jones and freshman Myles Colvin have added a new dimension and athleticism to the team’s backcourt.
The lingering question is whether Purdue can overcome their March disappointments and make a significant turnaround this season. The Boilermakers’ impressive start has placed them in a promising position, signifying their ability to silence the skeptics and make an impact come tournament time.
