With the season creeping up, here's some preliminary thoughts on the 2007-08 men's basketball team.

Purdue will miss Gordon Watt in the sense that he was to be its lone proven post player, its best low-post defender from a year ago and, of course, one of only a few experienced players returning.

He could have been a decent offensive player this season. He's always been a Summertime All-American, but whether that would have ever translated to the structure of play in-season, we'll never know.

The Boilermakers will not miss his eccentricity or tendency to get in trouble. Sometimes, personnel losses are a net gain for team chemistry.

Chris Kramer's one-handed driving dunk on Tuesday certainly didn't look like the work of a man still suffering from debilitating pain in his legs. What it did look like was just further proof that Kramer at less-than-optimal health is still pretty damn good.

Freshman Robbie Hummel, despite some consternation over his tender knee, appears in plenty good enough shape to play - and play a lot - this season, provided his tendonitis doesn't worsen.

...More... To continue reading this article you must be a member. Sign Up Now for a FREE Trial