Going into the most critical and difficult five-game stretch of the season a few weeks ago, I thought Purdue could really show whether it was a contender or a pretender. After victories in four of those five games, including over a ranked Northwestern team, plus Michigan State, Maryland and Indiana (the last three on the road), I think it's safe to say that the Boilers are for real.
Many Purdue fans are hesitant to jump in the entire way because this is a team that has struggled in March. The Boilermakers don't have an NCAA Tournament win since Robbie Hummel left campus five years ago, completely collapsing late in opening round losses to Cincinnati and Arkansas-Little Rock. However, this is clearly Matt Painter's best team since then, and their most balanced.
Can Purdue make a run next month? Leave your take on our Fox Sports 97.5 Facebook page.