Jeff Washburn has covered the Purdue Boilermakers for 16 years at the Lafayette Journal & Courier and offers up his take on the state of the Boilermakers, his matchup to watch and much more…
Jeff Washburn has been covering sports for 38 years and has covered Purdue men’s basketball for the last 16 years. Washburn joined the Dan Dakich show Monday to give his take on the Purdue Boilermakers here.
Siena Saints Blog: Purdue was held to many season lows in their loss to Minnesota in the Big Ten Tournament, including least points in a half since 1950 and a season low in points and field goal percentage. E’Twan Moore was held to 1/14 from the floor.. What’s going to be key to get his game going?
Jeff Washburn: The key for Moore is having someone else, like Senior Keaton Grant step up and make shots. Since Robbie Hummel’s season-ending knee injury February 24th at Minnesota, Moore is 21 of 70 [30%] from the field.
Siena Saints Blog: I’ve heard people say that Purdue has struggled so far without JR Robbie Hummel, what did Hummel bring to the offense and defense that it lacks right now?
Jeff Washburn: Hummel brought all of the intangibles — rebounding, good spacing, perimeter shooting. He made 8 treys in one half against Ohio State and led the Big Ten in free throw shooting at 90.2 percent.
Siena Saints Blog: What will be the matchup you will keep your eye on Friday afternoon?
Jeff Washburn: JaJuan Johnson vs. Ryan Rossiter. Johnson is a better athlete and has played relatively well since Hummel got hurt.
Siena Saints Blog: How many times has Purdue played up-tempo teams like the Saints? Will they have trouble handling the 1-2-2 or 3/4 court press Siena poses after most baskets?
Jeff Washburn: Purdue has faced all sorts of up-tempo. Remember, Purdue beat Tennessee, Alabama, Wake Forest and West Virginia.
Siena Saints Blog: Purdue is 7-1 in games decided by six points or less, what has been the key to their success in close games this year?
Jeff Washburn: Their close-game success is based on the fact they are juniors and seniors — thus experience is huge. This senior class has 101 victories, a Big Ten regular-season title and a Big Ten tournament Championship.
Siena Saints Blog: What is the status of sophomore Lewis Jackson for this weekend?
Jeff Washburn: Jackson’s left foot is sore, but he is expected to play. How effective will he be? We will find out at 2:30pm Friday.
His prediction for the game will be included in our Predictions piece later this week.
Jeff,
Congratulations on your induction into the Indiana Basketball Hall Fame. No journalist has ever deserved
it more than you. You have been able to cover class
basketball and some how make it exciting. Your passion
for Indiana’s Game is felt in your stories and coverage
of the game. Thank you for giving so much of your heart
and soul in keeping the sport what it is today.
[Reply]