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Mark Wohlford thought most of his knowledge of Purdue’s offensive and defensive philosophies and his go-getter attitude would be served during practices this season.
But then starting point guard Lewis Jackson broke his foot and had potential season-ending surgery before the season, reworking the position for the Boilermakers.
Senior Keaton Grant moved into the starting lineup, freshman Kelsey Barlow was elevated to backup and Wohlford went from little-used to averaging nearly 11 minutes in the first seven games for unbeaten and fifth-ranked Purdue.
“I didn’t expect (my role) to necessarily be a ton of playing time, maybe spot minutes here and there,” said Wohlford, who has played nearly twice as many minutes this season (75) as in his previous two (40). “I thought (my role would be) more of a leadership role in practice and for the younger guys, things of that nature. I really wasn’t expecting to have a whole bunch of playing time at the beginning of the season, but I thought I could contribute in certain ways.”
Coach Matt Painter thinks Wohlford, a junior in eligibility, has been a key contributor to Purdue’s quick start.
Wohlford’s been a surprise offensively, not only showing no fear of taking shots when he is open but also being able to convert. He is 9 of 13 from the field, and that includes making six of nine on three-pointers (67 percent).
But Wohlford might be a bigger spark on defense.
He’s only 6-foot, 186 pounds, but he’s been quick enough to defend many opposing point guards.
“I’ve been pretty happy with the way I’ve been able to contribute on the floor,” Wohlford said. “It’s a need that we have to really pressure the ball, that’s something that our defense relies on, and I’ve just been focusing on carrying on defensive assignments and trying to hang my hat on that to get playing time. Fortunately, I think it’s gone pretty well so far.”
Wohlford credits his high motor on defense to conditioning. Not being in top shape might have kept him from making Purdue’s roster as a freshman: He was cut after the hour-long walk-on tryout in 2006. So he vowed to return in his best shape the next year. He did. Now, his commitment has been rewarded with one of the team’s 13 basketball scholarships.
“He’s been absolutely great,” Painter said. “Mark is just a guy who puts ultimate pressure on the basketball. He’s a leader. He can make an open shot. He cares, and he really just lays it on the line. I just can’t say enough about his determination and the sacrifices he’s made to put himself in this rotation. He’s earned every minute he’s gotten, and he should probably play more than he does.”
