If Purdue could only stay healthy ....
Posted: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:05 AM
Filed Under:
Big Ten
Foot injuries prompt worry among college basketball coaches. Sometimes little things that appear innocuous turn out to be season-ending. North Carolina’s Marcus Ginyard experienced this last season when a stress fracture delayed his season, then ended it.
OK, so it didn’t derail the Heels’ title run, but not everyone has their depth.
Case in point: Purdue.
The Boilermakers are a serious Final Four contender because their core group of standout players – Robbie Hummel, E’Twuan Moore, Chris Kramer, JaJuan Johnson, Keaton Grant – are on their third season together. But, they’re not the deepest team.
That’s why there should be some concern about sophomore point guard Lewis Jackson being out indefinitely after foot surgery on Tuesday.
"We'll miss having Lewis on the court while he recuperates, but it's important that we take the necessary steps to ensure his full recovery," Purdue coach Matt Painter said.
Does it mean Purdue’s toast? Nah. Jackson may very well return better than ever. And Painter’s been through this before. Hummel dealt with a back problem all of last season (and is the more indispensible player).
But it is cause for hang wringing in West Lafayette.
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