Hummel’s Health Crucial for Boilermakers

Purdue's chances of success this season depend largely on the health of senior Robbie Hummel.  By Hannah McCaffrey

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

      In the 2010-2011 season, the Purdue Boilermakers were ranked 2nd in the conference with a 14-4 record and went 26-8 overall. The team rallied together and made great strides all without the presence of 6’8 forward, Robbie Hummel, who has held a starting position since his freshman year.
     Now a red-shirt senior, Hummel has been plagued with injuries including back troubles, a torn ACL at the end of his 2009-2010 season, and another tear at the start of the 2010-2011 season. However, this season Hummel is expected to be back and in good health. He was nominated for the Wooden Award Preseason Top 50.
     One of Purdue’s most well-rounded players, Hummel averages 15.7 PPG and 6.9 rebounds per game. He has 144 3-pointers under his belt and holds the record for 8th most in school history.
     The Boilermakers’ roster is a relatively young team, emphasized by the loss of last year’s senior leaders: E’Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson. If seasoned Robbie Hummel can remain a force to be reckoned with on the court while staying healthy, he can lead this young Purdue team deep into the NCAA championship and provide a stable platform for the team for several years to come.