Matt Painter tried to warn us. During the offseason, he praised the development of center Daniel Jacobsen, telling everyone that he expected a "big leap" from the 7-foot-4 junior.
Purdue entered Monday night in unfamiliar territory, having lost its first two games and facing the possibility of beginning the season with three consecutive defeats.
Daniel Jacobsen scored a game-high 20 points and Purdue pulled away from visiting Illinois State in the second half for a 76-59 nonconference win Monday night in West Lafayette, Ind.
The start of the season has not gone the way Purdue had planned. The Boilermakers are 0-2 after suffering losses to No. 15 Gonzaga and Valparaiso in the first week of the year.
North Carolina recently fired head men's basketball coach Hubert Davis, ending a five-year run in which he struggled to keep the program at the heights of its lofty expectations.
Matt Painter's coaching record has been dinged with a season-opening loss for just the second time in his 22 seasons at Purdue. Of course, No. 15 Gonzaga rates as a tough opening opponent for anyone.
Purdue's greatest strength in Monday's 78-72 loss to No. 15 Gonzaga may have also exposed its biggest weakness early in the season. The Boilermakers got 26 points and eight rebounds from the center position in their season opener.
Purdue center Daniel Jacobsen and forward Caden Pierce have received preseason recognition at their respective positions rom the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Purdue opened its exhibition season on Sunday, hosting Ball State at Mackey Arena. Now, the Boilermakers take their talents on the road, heading to Fort Wayne for their second preseason contest.