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Purdue basketball is preseason top 25 by several outlets

Despite a disappointing end to this past season, many think that things are looking up for Purdue.
Despite a disappointing end to this past season, many think that things are looking up for Purdue.

Previous Reviews ($): Vince Edwards | A.J. Hammons | P.J. Thompson | Ryan Cline | Isaac Haas | Caleb Swanigan

Very, very, very early, if not premature, projections for the 2016-17 season are favorable toward Purdue, despite its disappointing finish to a 26-win season earlier this month.

Obviously, NBA decisions and spring recruiting are yet to have unfolded fully but Purdue is listed as preseason top-25 by at least three major outlets in the wake of the last night's conclusion to the 2015-16 season.

In its first look at next season, ESPN.com puts the Boilermakers 16th nationally. Indiana (No. 8), Wisconsin (9), Michigan State (13) and Maryland (14) are listed 1-2-3-4 in the Big Ten

In its initial projection, Sporting News tabs Purdue 18th heading into next season, behind Michigan State (No. 6) Wisconsin (9) and Indiana (10) in the Big Ten.

Bleacher/Report ranks Purdue No. 20 in its first look at next season.

Campus Insiders tabs the Boilermakers 18th.

Yahoo! Sports has Purdue outside the top 20, but lists it among "Others worthy of consideration."

NBC Sports has Purdue among "also considered," as well.

"This will hinge on the return of Caleb Swanigan to the lineup, and that’s a very likely possibility," the site writes. "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."

Purdue loses seniors A.J. Hammons and Rapheal Davis, but if forwards Caleb Swanigan and Vince Edwards return after exploring their NBA options, they'd join junior center Isaac Haas to form another formidable frontcourt, while Dakota Mathias and Ryan Cline emerged in the back half of the season last year as reliable backcourt contributors. Kendall Stephens, the team's only projected senior as of right now, is considering transferring but can still return if he so chooses.

Purdue is recruiting additional help at point guard to go along with now-upperclassman P.J. Thompson and incoming freshman Carsen Edwards.

Junior forward Basil Smotherman returns to Purdue's mix after redshirting this season.

Purdue won 26 games this season and reached the final of the Big Ten Tournament before getting stunned in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in overtime by Little Rock.

The Boilermakers were ranked 12th in the pre-NCAA Tournament AP poll and 10th in the coaches poll.

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