CHICAGO - At the Big Ten media day Thursday, just for the hell of it, I asked everyone I interviewed who they think Purdue's best player is, just to see what they said.
I should have a second round of these coming as we sort through the recorders, but this is a good start.
Here are the responses ...
Matt Painter: "It depends on what day you watch us, and that's a good thing. When you have that answer, you have good balance. If you come watch us on Monday, then watch us every day the rest of the week, you might have five different answers."
Keaton Grant: "To me, I think it's E'Twaun. He's just so versatile. Not only can he shoot threes, but he can drive to the basket, break down a defense, he's a tremendous passer and he can just play so many different positions. He can do the 1, 2 or the 3. He might not look strong, but he is strong and he has very long arms. Offensively, everybody knows he can score, but he plays good defense, too.
Tom Izzo: "I still think it's Hummel, because he's the most versatile of them all. He's turned himself into a great player. Obviously all those guys are good. But Hummel gives them versatility and every team that's successful needs somebody that can play more than one position, guard more than one guy, understands the game and be a difference-maker as a playmaker or shot-maker. I think Robbie Hummel is that guy, and I love that about him."
Chris Kramer: "I'd have to go with JaJuan, just because of his up-side and everything he does for the team offensively and defensively are things no one else on our basketball team can do. So I think he's our best player."
Robbie Hummel: "I'd say it's a tie between JaJuan and E'Twaun (who happen to be sitting right here next to me). Can I do that?"
Thad Matta: "Robbie Hummel. Why do I say him? Just because he does so many different things to help that team win. It was a hard decision for me to say him, and that's the reason they're a great team."
E'Twaun Moore: "I couldn't give you a guess. On any given night, any one of us could have a big game. JaJuan could have 30 on night, Rob could easily have 30, Keaton or I or anybody else could have a big night, too."
FahKara Malone: "That's not fair (joking). It's hard. But I'm going to go with E'Twaun. Everything he does looks so effortless and he goes at his own speed at all times. I really like that about him, along with his ability to rebound from the guard position and score at the offensive end. I just really like his game."
JaJuan Johnson: "I'd have to say Bubba Day. Bubba Day or Mark Wohlford. They come out in practice every day and get us ready."
Bruce Weber: "Robbie Hummel ... when you talk about a complete player, to me, he's as good as anybody in the league, in the country. It's one thing to say who's the best pro prospect and another thing to say who's the best player, but Robbie Hummel is your ideal college basketball player. He's a good kid, a good student, wants to win and does all the little things that make the difference."
Posted on 11/2 12:07 PM | IP: Logged
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Posted on 11/2 12:36 PM | IP: Logged
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Posted on 11/2 12:54 PM | IP: Logged
Man, I love this team....how many teams would Kramer get the nod of "best player" because all he does for the team...yet he is not even a mention (understandably)....I agree the big three are better players....but I will take him and Keaton as 4th and 5th best players on the team EVERY YEAR!
Posted on 11/2 1:19 PM | IP: Logged
Good to see Bubba get a shoutout. I was just playing with him at the Co-Rec the other day!
Posted on 11/2 2:18 PM | IP: Logged
Hummel is the easy answer. Last year we struggled a bit without him and struggled a bit when he first came back. As he got healthier we got better.
That being said (knock on wood) we have not had to "see" if we could do without Moore of JJ. I would think Moore is a bit easier to replace based solely on the sheer # of wing players we have and Johnson may be our most valuable player because if we lose him Hummel is playing the 5...and probably struggles doing so.
Posted on 11/2 2:54 PM | IP: Logged
The thing is, I think we'd probably say the same thing if Johnson or Moore were out. All three play such an integral role in our success that you can't really leave any of them out. Same goes for Kramer with regards to our defensive intensity. Take him out and you might not loose a lot of O, but you probably do loose the ability/motivation to defend at such a high level.
Posted on 11/2 3:58 PM | IP: Logged
There is no answer. I'm with JJ!
Posted on 11/2 4:59 PM | IP: Logged
"Best" player is little vague really. Hummel is a great college player. He does all of the basics, but nothing spectacular. You need utility men and he's the prototype. Then you have Johnson. He's THE most important player on the team. With his size and ability, you just can't replace him. Moore has the total package. He's a threat from everywhere on the court, can handle the ball, and guard any wing player. Getting 4 rebounds out of your guard is extra special gravy.
So, yeah, there is no answer. If you were to ask me if I had to start the team with one of the three, I'd have to take Johnson. He's still raw, but, like I said, you find too many players with his attributes.
Posted on 11/2 5:47 PM | IP: Logged
I see it as the other coaches answered more "Who is the MVP?" than "Who is the best player?". At least that's the way I see it. Hummel is the MVP, but I think JJ or Etwaun are the "best player", if that makes any sense at all.
Posted on 11/2 6:46 PM | IP: Logged
as i've said all along, this is a great position to be in.
we have 3 legit candidates (maybe 4 with KG..he was MVP 2 years ago after all)
plus CK is in that mix too, with all he brings to the table
great stuff
Posted on 11/2 7:03 PM | IP: Logged
he's going to be fun to watch.
Posted on 11/2 7:32 PM | IP: Logged
What are you talking about? This whole team is going to be a blast. But I agree that Keaton will be team MVP ayt the end of the year. Do you guys remember how many clutch shots he made last year? Northwestern comes to mind off the top. There isn't a guy on the team I would want taking the last shot more thab KG!
I'm just glad that he's had a full summer of work. The thing to really like about KG is seeing how much he's worked on his game. Yet, he remains a total TEAM player.
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