However, on February 24th, 2010 during a game played against Minnesota Purdue's star Hummel tore his ACL. He would soon know that he would be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
The No.1 seed was out of sight, but the Boilermakers were granted a No. 4 seed in the tournament.
Purdue advanced two games beating Siena, and Texas A&M before losing to the eventual National Champion Duke Blue Devils 70-57.
Purdue had a lot to look forward to with Johnson, Moore and Hummel all returning for the 2010-11 season.
During the first practice following Midnight Madness Purdue's forward Hummel was diagnosed with a torn ACL, the same ACL he tore this February, and will be sidelined for the 2010-11' season.
Purdue was selected by many to possibly make a run at the national championship with three star players returning. However, with Hummel, and Chris Kramer absent this upcoming season Purdue will have a lot of soul searching to do.
Without Hummel last year, the Boilermakers didn't look in-sync. Purdue stars Johnson, and Moore had to do it all and did not get much help down the stretch. The Boilermakers were 5-3 over the eight game stretch Hummel was sidelined.
However, if you mix in the loss of Hummel this season Purdue has lost two key contributors from last years squad. Kramer was known for his toughness, and was considered the defensive leader for the Boilermakers.
However, he graduated last summer. Hummel was diagnosed with an ACL injury. Keaton Miles also graduated. Leaving Moore, and Johnson as the only significant players on the Boilermakers roster.
Without Hummel the Boilermakers do not have their leader, a playmaker, and star.
A day before this happened, Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo selected Purdue to win the National Championship. However, without Hummel that almost seems out of the picture.
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