Purdue Basketball: Predicting the Starting Lineup for the Season

The Purdue Boilermakers come into the 2010-2011 season with a national ranking of eighth a lot lower than originally expected before the loss of Robbie Hummel. Although the lower ranking, they are still a top ten team, and are one of the best teams in the country.  Although a lot of people are doubting the Boilermakers they have a lot of depth, and many great defenders, although the loss of Hummel will hurt them on the offensive and defensive ends.  

So here it is, we are week away from the game against the University of Indianapolis, here is my starting line-up for the beginning of the season, plus some added bonuses.

James Evens is a Purdue student and Basketball/Football Featured Columnist for the Boilermakers, along with being a Writing Intern at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, or like him on Facebook.

Point Guard: Lewis Jackson

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

SPOKANE, WA - MARCH 19: Lewis Jackson #23 of the Purdue Boilermakers against the Siena Saints during the first round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Spokane Arena on March 19, 2010 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty

Lewis Jackson is one of the best defensive guards in the nation.  Mentored by Chris Kramer for two years he will be looking to defend the opposing teams best shooter this season.  Along with being quick on his feet and a hard-nosed defender, Lew-Jack brings an ability to pass the ball and be a floor general.

Lew-Jack will need to be able to defend, and put pressure on the ball, along with being able to run the offense.  His roll will be limited scoring wise, but he is a pivotal part of the offense.

Shooting Guard: E'twaun Moore

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 12: E'Twaun Moore #33 of the Purdue Boilermakers drives during the Big Ten game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Mackey Arena on January 12, 2010 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Ohio State won 70-66. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty

Moore has the ability to be one of the best players in college basketball this season. In the 2009-2010 season Moore averaged 16.4 points a game and shot 35 percent from beyond the arc.

Moore is also a great passer, and also has the athletic ability to block shots and defend opponents.  His ability to slash through the lane and create shots is an uncanny ability that is hard to replicate in the Big Ten.  Look for the Boilermakers to rely a lot on Moore this season for big shots and points.

Guard: Kelsey Barlow

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - MARCH 12: Kelsey Barlow #12 of the Purdue Boilermakers dribbles the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 12, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana

Kelsey Barlow got a lot of playing time last season even starting a few games with the absence of Jackson to injury.  Although Barlow may not have been the greatest decision maker last season, he has reportedly grown up a lot over the off-season.  

Barlow brings a unique aspect to the Boilermakers with the fact that he is a 6'5" and will more than likely play four different positions for the Boilermakers.

According to the Cliz Blog, Barlow is further developing his jumper which could make him very dangerous this season.

 If he cannot score however, look for Freshman Terone Johnson to take over his starting spot.

Power Forward: JaJuan Johnson

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SPOKANE,WA - MARCH 21: JaJuan Johnson #25 of the Purdue Boilermakers drives the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Spokane Arena on March 21, 2010 in Spokane, Washington. Purdue de

Johnson the 6'10" senior will be pivotal to the Boilermakers success this season.  With the absence of Robbie Hummel in the paint, Johnson will need to step up the scoring and the rebounding.  

Johnson averaged 15.5 points along with seven rebounds last season. It's key that Johnson become involved defensively and be able to drive the lane and post up defenders this season.  

Along with the offensive stats listed above, Johnson averaged two swats a game, a number that will be greatly increased with the absence of Hummel.

Johnson staying healthy is pivotal to this Boilermaker team.  He has been working in the weight room all off-season and should be able to dominate games this season.  Lets just hope he learned how to stay out of foul trouble.

Power Forward: Patrick Bade

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

HOUSTON - MARCH 26: Patrick Bade #41 of the Purdue Boilermakers blocks a shot by Kyle Singler #12 of the Duke Blue Devils as Brian Zoubek #55 and Chris Kramer #3 watch during the south regional semifinal of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Rel

Bade had quite the season last year.  His freshman year he was propelled into a roll of rebounding, and it was hard for him to adjust to the speed and strength of this level.

Bade, however is developing into a serious player.  After a season of learning last year he will be ready to step-up and contribute some major minutes. In the Cliz Blog, Cliz mentions that Bade has completely changed his body from a year ago.

This is very exciting for Boilermakers as this spot in the starting line-up will be one of the main factors to how far the Boilermakers will do this season.  If bade can stay out of foul trouble, and rebound the ball, the Boilermakers should be in decent shape.

Sixth Man: The Paint Crew

The heartbeat of Mackey Arena, the Paint Crew.  The Paint Crew is one of the most dedicated student sections in the nation, and one of the loudest in the Big Ten, only second to the Izzone, and that's debatable.  

Purdue's Actual Sixth Man: Byrd Or Johnson

At this time, it cannot be determined who is going to come off the bench and make the biggest impact.  If one was to put money on it, you would go with either DJ Byrd, or Terone Johnson.  Both Byrd and Johnson are prolific scorers and could fill that gap left by Robbie Hummel in the scoring department. 

Inspirational Assistant Coach: Robbie Hummel

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 12: Robbie Hummel #4 of the Purdue Boilermakers runs during the Big Ten game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Mackey Arena on January 12, 2010 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Ohio State won 70-66. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Im

Robbie Hummel, who went down in practice trying to contest a shot, will be out for the season with an ACL tear as it is well documented.  Hummel will serve as a mental/emotional leader for the Boilermakers this season as he coaches the team to what will hopefully be a great tournament run.

Have Faith

Chills! Believe!

Just because the Boilermakers lost their star player doesn't mean their season is over.  Let the haters hate and the doubters doubt, because the Boilermakers will be a top five team before the season is over and really make some noise in the tournament.  The video above gave me the chills, any Purdue fan that doesn't get the chills, should have their fan card revoked.