Purdue Boilermakers Basketball: The Leading Performers So Far in 2010

Purdue Basketball has had a great start to the regular season starting with a record of 4-0, including an impressive victory against a good Oakland team in what was a thrilling first half.

This season, Purdue has been led by numerous players this season and are actually a rather deep team, deeper than most Boilermaker fans expected.

Here are the key players so far this season for the Boilermakers.

The Paint Crew

The Paint Crew has been a key contributor to the Boilermakers victories so far this season, with great attendance at all of the games, even against Austin Peay, which was the first evening of Thanksgiving vacation.

The Paint Crew brings a dynamic like no other to Mackey Arena, making one of the best home-court advantages in college basketball.

Ryne Smith

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - MARCH 13: Guard Ryne Smith #24 of the Purdue Boilermakers drives against forward Rodney Williams #33 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the semifinals of the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fieldhouse on March 13, 2010 in In

Smith has been coming off the bench most of the season, but has provided a spark when the Boilermakers needed it the most.

This season, Smith has averaged a mere five points a game but has been shooting 42 percent from beyond the arc.

Although it may not seem like Smith has been a big factor, anyone who has watched the Boilermakers this season knows what a big contributor he is to the team.

John Hart

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - MARCH 12: Forward Drew Crawford #1 of the Northwestern Wildcats trys to keep the ball in bounds against guard John Hart #32 of the Purdue Boilermakers during their quarterfinal game in the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament at Conseco Fie

Hart has been electrifying this season for the Boilermakers.  The 6'2" sophomore has averaged 11 points this season.  Along with his 11 points per game, he is shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc, causing havoc for opponents.

Along with his offensive assets, Hart is a great defender who has had no trouble guarding anyone this season, but has yet to be tested.

Kelsey Barlow

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - MARCH 12: Guard 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, I

Although Barlow drives most Boilermakers insane with his ball handling, he has been a key factor to this team so far.  He has been able to lock down the opponent's best offensive player and is one of the best defensive guards in the conference.

If he can solidify his jumper, he will be a dangerous player for the Boilermakers.

Lewis Jackson

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

HOUSTON - MARCH 26: Nolan Smith #2 of the Duke Blue Devils defends against Lewis Jackson #23 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the south regional semifinal of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Reliant Stadium on March 26, 2010 in Houston, Texas

He may be small, but he sure can rebound.  Lewis Jackson is the floor general for the Boilermakers and is a true role player.  He only shoots when he is open and never forces shots.

He is averaging 5.8 assists, three rebounds, and a steal per game so far this season.  His ability to guard his opponent and take that guy out of the game offensively is a great asset to the Boilermakers.

D.J. Byrd

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

HOUSTON - MARCH 26: Guard Jon Scheyer #30 of the Duke Blue Devils takes a shot against D.J. Byrd of the Purdue Boilermakers during the south regional semifinal of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Reliant Stadium on March 26, 2010 in Houston,

Byrd has had a great season for the Boilermakers on both sides of the ball.  He is playing great defense and also providing an electrifying offensive performance that gets the crowd going every game.

So far, Byrd has averaged eight points per game and has shot 42 percent from beyond the arc.  His ability to come out and get the Boilermakers going is something that has been great to see this season.

Another great thing about Byrd is that he is versatile.  He can step back and make a three pointer, or he can go in and battle with the big boys.  Byrd is a fun player to watch.

E'Twaun Moore

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SPOKANE,WA - MARCH 21: E'Twaun Moore #33 of the Purdue Boilermakers makes a jumpshot against Dash Harris #5 of 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, Was

Moore, the 6'4" senior guard, is one of the best players in college basketball and continues to be overlooked. 

He plays great defense, and his ability to slash and dash to the basketball makes him one of the best shooting guards in the country. So far this season, Moore is averaging 19.5 points, 3.5 assists, 5.5 rebounds and two steals per game.

If he can continue these numbers, it will be hard for anyone to stop the Boilermakers.

JaJuan Johnson

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

HOUSTON - MARCH 26: Kyle Singler #12 of the Duke Blue Devils battles for a rebound with JaJuan Johnson #25 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the south regional semifinal of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Reliant Stadium on March 26, 2010 in

Johnson has done it all for the Boilermakers this season.  Although he started off the season slow, and it took a while for him to develop his jumper, the 6'10" senior has finally gotten into his groove.

Johnson is averaging 17 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and a steal per game.  He really can do it all, even occasionally knocking down a three point shot.

Coming off two dominant performances against Oakland and Austin Peay, the big man is looking to roll strong into the rest of the season. 

For the Boilermakers to win this season, it is essential for Johnson to continue having big games and staying out of foul trouble.