The Exponent Online


03/04/02	Previous Edition 3/1

Forward improves play to lead team next year

Tim Orendorff/Senior Photographer

LOOK ALIVE: Sophomore forward Brett Buscher looks for the open man in a game this season. Buscher has contributed well to the Purdue team in his first season.

By Doug Elish
Staff Writer

Barring a Big Ten tournament victory the Boilers will be home for the NCAA tournament for the second consecutive year. While the two years have been disappointing, they haven't been total losses.

Throughout this year, Purdue coach Gene Keady tried many things to get the team to perform better; one of those tactics was giving his younger players more playing time and even some starts. The team never was able to string together victories, but the experience gained by those younger players should prove to be beneficial next year.

One of those players is Brett Buscher, a sophomore forward in the School of Technology.

Buscher, who averaged 21 points and 7.6 rebounds per game at Chesterton High School, will likely be a big part of the Boilers' success next season.

Buscher's first two seasons haven't been as statistically impressive as his high school career but that doesn't tell the whole story.

"In high school I was always the best player on the court. Now there are guys taller and with as good or better athletic skills ... But I am comfortable and I know I can play at this level; it is just a matter of improving," said Buscher.

With few exceptions, there is an adjustment period for players to get used to the different style of play in college, especially in a power conference like the Big Ten. These past two years have been that transitional period for him.

However, statistics aren't always the best indication of what a player contributes to a team. Joe Marshall, a senior guard, said, "Brett brings a lot to the table ... he brings a big body, a lot of confidence, he is hard-nosed ... he sets picks, he is going to dive on loose balls and hustle. You know when Brett comes out he is going to play hard, in games and in practice."

That hustle and hard-nosed play along with his size really helps to make Buscher a good defensive player. Listed as a 6'8, 239-pound forward, he has the body to go into the paint and he also has the quickness to play outside.

Teammate Maynard Lewis, a senior guard, said, "He brings a great body, rebounding and he is just an overall good athlete."

Keady has referred to Buscher as being one of the team's best defensive players already this year and Buscher still hopes to improve.

"I knew [defense] was going to be my main role this year. If I was going to play, I had to play defense, so I tried to make sure it was one of my strong points," said Buscher.

Not only has Buscher been learning on the court, but he also had to learn to deal with some off-court setbacks. During the Big Ten season, he missed a couple games with a bad illness that caused him to lose more than 15 pounds. According to him, he still hasn't fully recovered from it.

"I got my stamina back, but I lost a lot of strength and I haven't gotten that back. I can really tell the difference when I am out there and it gets physical," said Buscher.

Even with all Buscher has learned, he is looking to improve even more next year. According assistant coach Jay Price, and in his own opinion, he still hasn't reached his potential.

"In the coming years we would like to see [Buscher] get more free throws ... hit some more jump shots ... and just play to his size," said Price.

Buscher said, "Next year I might be looking to score a little more, but every aspect of my game could definitely improve."

His willingness to hustle and improve isn't lost on his teammates. Senior forward Rodney Smith said, "He plays strong and he will do anything to help our team win."

"[Keady] moved him to the starting lineup because [Buscher] is going to be a good player," Marshall said.

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