Purdue will start the defining moment of their season in less than 12 hours and so I wanted to have a staff roundtable to talk about the Madness we are about to get into. Here’s what I asked:
Given that March has always been the goal for this team, how far do they have to get to consider this season a success?
Ledman:
March isn’t fair. Sports aren’t fair. The best team doesn’t always win. That’s especially true in college basketball’s postseason. Purdue was a better team than FDU. That sounds like sour
grapes but it’s not. If those teams play 100 times Purdue wins 99. But on that one day in that one game, FDU was better. That’s the beauty and the heartbreak of March. It’s not fair. Expectations almost are never fair. Purdue was predicted to be a Final Four or National Championship team and I think that’s where success lies. I’d love to say that the Sweet 16 or an Elite Eight appearance would be enough, but not with this group. Not with this talent. Not with these seniors. It has to be Indianapolis.
Drew:
I said it was Final 4 or bust for this team in the non-conference…right before Iowa State pile drove us through a table. The the team spent February playing like we’re saving up their energy for March
It’s still Final 4 or bust for me.
Ryan:
As for the tourney as a whole, we came into the season saying Final Four or bust for this team considering which players they retained and who they brought in (remember when we thought Mayer would be a day 1 starter?). Those expectations dipped in the trough of the season but have been on the uptick since Purdue ran through the BTT. I think we currently sit at an Elite 8 appearance to feel successful. Yes, Braden Smith is all but certain to break the all-time assist record, Fletcher Loyer broke the team 3’s record, and Purdue won the conference tournament but as we all know, March trumps all. I would love to see this team get back to Indy but given the scope of the entire season, I think we only call it a truly successful season even if they fall just short of that.
Travis:
As far as how far we go, I think the adjusted expectations are to play to our seed and reach at least the Elite Eight. This team was not as good as originally expected, but getting to a regional final and seeing what happens along the way would be a great recovery. I am kind of concerned about a de facto road game vs. Mizzou in round 2 (or the matchup with Miami that might cause me to get divorced), but If this team plays like it did in Chicago I think making it to the regional final is more than reasonable.
Although, Purdue is 7-0 on neutral courts this year and all the remaining games are on a neutral court, so…
Kyle:
I have always been a final 4 or bust mentality with this team. Mid February i was more than worried with that goal – but after our resurrection in the BTT, I am back to that goal.
Make it to Indianapolis.
Jed:
Before the Boilers won the BTT, I would have said it needed to be a Final Four because the regular season was that disappointing. Now, if the Boilers can make the Elite 8 it would be a success. Get to that point and let the chips fall where they may. After day 1 of games, Purdue looks like it could be a favorite.
Casey:
Purdue wins a national title. It’s time. In maybe one of the last ever four year starting classes, in their backyard, Purdue does the thing behind elite guard play and bullies inside. This team’s purpose has always been this tournament. Now it gets to prove it.
Realistically the elite eight because losing to a great team is never gonna be a disappointment and that’s where Purdue could play one.
