In advance of the start of formal on Tuesday, GoldandBlack.com will take an in-depth look at various elements of Purdue's highly regarded team.

Today, defense.

More: Offense Preview

Matt Painter always believes in his teams' defensive capabilities, or at least has to say he does.

This year he has good reason to mean it when he says it.

Some notables ...

• The Backcourt: Eric Hunter gives Purdue one of the better on-ball defensive guards Painter's had at Purdue and the sort of first-line-of-defense catalyst on the ball the coach has always coveted.