By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Hammons turnaround helps put Purdue back on national map
Hammons
Michigan State's Matt Costello (10) and Purdue's A.J. Hammons (20) battle for a rebound during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the finals at the Big Ten Conference tournament, Sunday, in Indianapolis. - photo by AP Photo
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — For two seasons, A.J. Hammons was content at Purdue.Believing he was a short-time college player who could make a quick jump to the NBA, Hammons got stuck in his own world and so did the Boilermakers.But when coach Matt Painter cleaned house after the 2013-14 season, Hammons stayed, rededicated himself to basketball and became the cornerstone of Purdue’s incredibly quick turnaround.“His preparation is better. His habits in terms of coming every day to practice are better,” Painter said. “At first, he had to find that switch.