There a couple of things you need to know about the 2007-2008 version of the Purdue Boilermakers. First, they’ve got an outstanding crop of home grown freshmen. Second, they’ve shown the capability of knocking off a respectable team. They beat Louisville on a neutral court and lost a close game at Clemson. Third, they’ve done what young teams do in college hoops: lose games they should have won. For example, they lost at home to Wofford and to Iowa State on a neutral court. And one final thing, Matt Painter has the best hair of any coach in the league.

So what should we expect out of our friends in West Lafayette? A young, inconsistent team that will improve throughout the season.

Purdue’s top six players are freshmen (Scott Martin, Robbie Hummel, E’Twaun Moore and JaJuan Johnson) or sophomores (Keaton Grant and Chris Kramer). Out of that group, the most impressive contributor at this early juncture of the season has been Martin, a Valpo product. He’s a crafty lefty who looks to create his own shot. He’s still learning to adjust to the physical play at the collegiate level, but when it’s all said and done, he’ll be an All-Big Ten performer.

Grant is a solid second option that can hit the three and can also defend. Kramer is a bit of a head case at times, but he is also a hard nosed player that takes pride in guarding the opposing team’s best player as well as diving after loose balls. Hummel, Martin’s high school teammate at Valpo, is an excellent free throw shooter and passer. Moore, who you might remember helped knock off Eric Gordon for the Indiana state title, has struggled with his shot early in the season but will definitely improve. And finally, Johnson is by default Purdue’s best shot blocker and the closest thing they have to an inside presence.

The bottom line: By the time March arrives, I would expect Painter and staff to have this team knocking on the door of an NCAA birth. The Boilermakers should take care of business at home in conference play and if they can put together an 11-7 mark in the Big Ten, 20 wins should be enough to provide a legitimate chance at the Big Dance.

Read the rest of our Big Ten Preview:

• Ohio State
• Minnesota
• Penn State
• Michigan
• Iowa
• Northwestern

As the countdown to October 12 (yes, I’m already counting) continues, Inside the Hall will break down the conference piece-by-piece each week.

Our first stop on the countdown to October is breaking down the top five newcomers to watch in 2007-2008. Here are the names, in no particular order:

- Corperryale “Manny” Harris, 6′4″, guard, Michigan

Harris is the type of player who will thrive under new head coach John Beilein’s style of play. An aggressive offensive player who loves to make things happen, Harris can score the ball with the best of them. He’s got a knack for making tough shots when they count the most. He was Mr. Basketball in the state of Michigan this past season, beating out the likes of Durrell Summers, Darquavis Tucker and Kalin Lucas. If the Wolverines are to find themselves back in the NCAA tournament, Harris will be front and center in leading the charge.

- Eric Gordon, 6′4″, guard, Indiana

Gordon is a scoring machine who can attack the basket and get to the foul line or burn you from beyond the three-point arc. His range is truly unlimited. Ranked by some analysts as the top player nationally in the class of 2007, Gordon was both a McDonald’s All-American and a Jordan Brand All-Star. Projected to slot in immediately as a do-it-all guard for the Hoosiers, Gordon will likely be a frontrunner for Big 10 Player of the Year.

- E’Twaun Moore, 6′3″, guard, Purdue

Under the tutelage of former East Chicago Central coach Pete Trgovich, Moore developed into an all-around leader on the floor. It all came together in March when he led his team to the 4A state championship, knocking off Gordon and Indianapolis North Central. An intelligent player who has a genuine feel for the game, Moore can bury the three, defend and handle the ball. Expect him to be the top contributor amongst the stacked recruiting class coach Matt Painter is bringing to West Lafayette.

- Kalin Lucas, 6′0″, guard, Michigan State

As quick as they come in the class of 2007, Lucas loves to penetrate and get others involved. And even better for Lucas, he’ll have plenty of weapons to choose from. Look for him to immediately battle incumbent point guard Travis Walton for playing time. He’ll fit in perfectly with Tom Izzo’s desire to push the ball up the floor and should be a four-year standout for the Spartans.

- Kosta Koufos, 7′0″, center, Ohio State

The departure of Greg Oden to the NBA opens immediate minutes for Koufos and he’ll take full advantage of the opportunity. Not your prototypical 7-footer, Koufos can run the floor and hit the mid-range jump shot. Possessing an array of offensive moves, Koufos is said to be nearly unstoppable from 15 feet in. He’s an unselfish player who prides himself on positioning while playing defense and excellent footwork on offense.

10 others to watch:

Indiana: Jamarcus Ellis

Illinois: Demetri McCamey

Michigan State: Chris Allen and Durrell Summers

Ohio State: Evan Turner and Jon Diebler

Purdue: Jajuan Johnson and Scott Martin

Penn State: Talor Battle

Wisconsin: Jon Leuer