WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- With season ticket sales right around the corner and the Paint Crew hitting full capacity at a near-record pace for the 2016-17 season, let's take a look at how the Boilermakers are currently viewed from national prognosticators.
The Boilermakers are ranked anywhere from 13th to 20th in a majority of the "Way-too-early Top-25" polls. The date ranges for the preseason polls are anywhere from early April to late May following the NBA Draft deadlines.
#13 -- The Big Lead / USA Today
Possibly an overreaction on my part to Caleb Swanigan returning to school, but combined with juniors-to-be Vincent Edwards (11.3 ppg) and Isaac Haas (9.8 ppg), the Boilermakers will be near the Top of the Big 10 again.
#14 ââ'¬" ESPN.com
Caleb Swanigan wasn't the only Boilermaker to improve the 2016-17 roster by stepping back from the NBA precipice. A day before the former McDonald's All-American's decision, forward Vincent Edwards did the same. Of course, with all due respect to Edwards, Swanigan's was the decision most Purdue fans were sweating, not only because he's a real talent with a possible sophomore breakout on deck but because he seemed to be genuinely considering the professional plunge. His return is huge. Speaking of which, center Isaac Haas will take over as the full-time starter in the lane. Also, don't sleep on graduate transfer Spike Albrecht, who, if nothing else, should help the Boilers unravel the mysteries of an arcane stratagem known as the "full-court press." This is a nice roster.
#16 ââ'¬" 247Sports
A Vincent Edwards-Caleb Swanigan-Isaac Haas frontline became a reality when Edwards and Swanigan removed their names from the NBA Draft. The backcourt will need to come along, but that's a strong base to build from.
#17 ââ'¬" NBC Sports
In one of the more surprising NBA Draft decisions, Caleb Swanigan opted to return to school for his sophomore season, meaning that the Boilermakers will once again have one of the biggest front lines.
#18 ââ'¬" Campus Insiders
This will hinge on the return of Caleb Swanigan to the lineup, and that's a very likely possibility. The departure of A.J. Hammons robs Purdue of a quality big inside, but 7-2 Isaac Haas is ready to take on a bigger role and be a dominant center in the Big Ten.
#18 ââ'¬" Sporting News
With star big man A.J. Hammons gone, 7-2 junior-to-be Isaas Haas will see a larger role, and Purdue fans are hoping Caleb Swanigan returns to school after going through the draft evaluation process. Vincent Edwards (11.3 ppg) is the leading returning scorer, and P.J. Thompson, Dakota Mathias and Ryan Cline are all back after averaging between 13 and 23 minutes a game last year.
#20 ââ'¬" SB Nation
Big man A.J. Hammons is gone, which means this ranking is pretty much entirely contingent on the assumption that Caleb Swanigan will be back for his sophomore season. If he goes, then the Boilermakers go with him.
