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Purdue’s thriving, while Indiana’s rebuild still in early stages

Fret not, Indiana fans. Things will get better.

Yes, it’s tough with Purdue in town tonight. Your in-state rivals are enjoying yet another fantastic season under Matt Painter, while Tom Crean’s rebuild continues to muddle along.

But Crean’s made progress in just three years. And Indiana will continue to improve. Consider it a Ken Davis promise.

The latest column from our college hoops expert focuses on Indiana’s progress under Crean – six wins in year one, 10 last season and possibly 13 or 14 this year – and he’s certain that the Hoosiers will be .500 or better in Big Ten play next season.

Given that Indiana essentially started from scratch because of penalties incurred under Kelvin Sampson, that’s not so bad, right?

What would help most of all? A win tonight. But that may be asking too much.

“As with all great rivalries, it never really matters what the records are,” Crean told the Indianapolis Star.

“But with our margin for error as slim as it is and the way they’re playing, it’s going to take everyone and it’s going to have to involve emotion, energy, toughness and most importantly execution.”

Sounds like his rebuilding process.

You also can follow me on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.