McKnight watches and learns
Communication a subject Purdue must improve

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There was only one thing more agonizing to South Bend's Brandon McKnight than not being able to help his Purdue teammates as they struggled through the Big Ten basketball season -- watching Indiana make it to the NCAA championship game.

"It was a bad feeling to not be in a tourney, and it was even worse to watch our rival go to the final game," McKnight said. "That really hurt. It was awful watching them."

McKnight had to do a lot of watching in his freshman season. He was ruled academically ineligible and missed the second half of the season.

Purdue lost four of its last five games and ended up 12-13.

"I looked at this like a redshirt year," McKnight said. "I had a whole semester to learn. I didn't just sit on the bench and watch the games. I took this as a time to learn. I didn't watch, I observed, I analyzed. I learned a lot. I learned what the coaches want from us, how important it is to communicate on the court, what to do in certain game situations. I was a student of the game."

Purdue fans have reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season. McKnight's return to the court in a Purdue uniform last month on a European tour lit a spark in the Boilermaker team. The 6-foot-2 point guard averaged 7.6 points and 5.4 assists a game.

"The main problem with our team last year was lack of communication," McKnight said. "We weren't on the same page. It was painful to watch from the bench. We worked really hard in the spring and worked hard in Europe.

"I think I could have played a little better in Europe," McKnight said. "The main thing was, I felt great to get back out on the court. I felt like I was part of the team again."

McKnight said he's been told by his coaches that the Boilermakers are counting on him to be a major contributor next season.

"My role is to be a good leader," McKnight said. "I have to get it done in all facets of the game, not just with assists, but rebounding, scoring. I have to be an all-around player, like Jason Kidd. The coaches want me to be a leader in a lot of areas and be able to take control of the team. I felt like in Europe, I was able to do what needed to be done and say what needed to be said."

Although McKnight's showing in Europe was impressive, he doesn't feel he's locked into a starting job next season.

"I don't want to think like I'm a starter," McKnight said. "I want to work like I'm not a starter and I'm hungry for playing time."

McKnight said his European experience was beneficial for more reasons than just basketball.

"What amazed me the most was in England they drive on the opposite side of the road," McKnight said. "There was definitely some culture shock at the restaurants. The money was different. I liked Belgium the most. I liked the scenery and the people there. I could relate to Belgium a lot."

McKnight gained a lot from his semester on the bench and his European experience, and Purdue fans will be eager to see the dividends next season.
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Alright, I understand rivalry and all -- but aren't you supposed to support teams in your conference? Maybe he should've spent some time studying instead of watching the games. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" />