A.J. Hammons, Isaac Hass A Dominant Duo For Purdue

The Purdue Boilermakers have an extremely dominant duo in twin towers A.J. Hammons and Isaac Haas.

Matt Painter hasn’t had a legitimate contender since Robbie Hummel left West Lafayette, but that may very well have changed this season. He has put together some great recruits with talented veteran players, and has two twin towers in the middle of his lineup as well. Both A.J. Hammons and Isaac Haas are legitimate seven-foot centers, and each player has a similar skill-set.

There aren’t many teams across the country that have the type of height that these two guys bring to Purdue, and there aren’t many that can slow them down when they’re playing their game. Painter has had some talented front-court players in the past, but they haven’t had the size or skills that these two have.

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Haas is a true freshman this season, and that makes his play even more impressive. He has averaged 11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game this season so far, and has already carved out a very nice role for himself.

Hammons on the other hand has averaged 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game in his junior season. Those numbers aren’t exactly what Purdue was looking for from him, but they are still solid and have been a major boost for them.

Purdue may not end up making it to the Sweet Sixteen this season, but they have the talent that they can give it a shot. Painter hasn’t had this type of a team since E’Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson were on the roster, and that is saying something. The Boilermakers have to make the most of this talent they have put together, and they have to make a run in the Big Ten.

It will be very intriguing to see how they stack up against teams like the Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines, and especially the Indiana Hoosiers. Purdue has a lot to make up for over the past few years, and this season is the year to do just that.

Needless to say, the Boilermakers have revived their basketball program this year and the excitement is flowing into Mackey Arena. There are plenty of reasons to believe that this seasons team can make a run in the NCAA Tournament, and they are beginning to open the eyes of the media. Expect a much better season this year, and expect to see them keep it up consistently.