When you ask Purdue coaches what's different this year, they're always quick to pump the brakes. March happened, but last year was a success.

Assistant Coach Paul Lusk's voice takes a moment to start up when I ask what about this team is potentially more capable of than last year's.

"Well," he says after filling in for Matt Painter at Purdue's practice on Wednesday with the Head Coach in Vegas coaching Team USA's Select team. "I mean a little bit of that is to be determined. We had a heck of a year."

For Purdue, their tale of two seasons coincided with Ethan Morton's slide from effective starter to struggling bench player. His summer was one of reflection and renewed purpose.