Injury ends Purdue freshman Taylor's season

• Taylor%2C a 6-9%2C 225-pound Massachusetts native%2C totaled 13 points and 12 rebounds in six games.
• He has not played since Dec. 10 and had not fully practiced in weeks before being shut down.
• Hardship waiver possible if injury occurs in first half of season before playing in 20 percent of games.

A stress reaction in his left shin has kept Purdue freshman Jacquil Taylor out of games since December and out of practice for weeks.

But classmate P.J. Thompson is never surprised to see Taylor in the gym, doing what little he can to stay sharp.

"If there's one thing I know about Quil, it's that he's a worker," Thompson said. "It's really hard to keep him out of the gym now. Sometimes I've come in here and shot late, and he's just here dribbling around or shooting layups, because he can't really do too much.

"I really appreciate Quil's work ethic and the support he's been given us, and I know he's going to be ready when his time comes."

That time won't come this season. Purdue coach Matt Painter said last week Taylor, originally shifted to a lighter practice load, had been shut down completely.

Painter is confident that Taylor will receive a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA and have a season of eligibility restored. To qualify, athletes must have an incapacitating illness or injury that occurs in the first half of the season, and without them competing in 20 percent of scheduled games.

It's been a disappointing and frustrating turn for Taylor. Yet the 6-foot-9, 225-pound native of Cambridge, Mass., tries to look at the potential long-term benefits for himself and the Boilermakers.

"In the long run it's just helping me get better for next year, and being prepared and evaluating and studying more of the game," Taylor said. "I don't like watching from the sidelines — I want to play. We're just looking out for my future and trying to help me out in the long run."

Taylor played in Purdue's first five games, including seven points, three rebounds and two blocks in his debut against Samford. He sat out four games before his final action — five minutes against Arkansas State on Dec. 10.

All along, Taylor played through pain in his shin that he'd grown accustomed to in high school. Back then he assumed it was residual discomfort from a broken foot suffered as a junior.

But Taylor said he later learned he'd likely played through a stress fracture as a senior. Purdue's staff feared the same injury could develop if he didn't stop playing this season.

Taylor is currently in the middle of a fourth-month rest period. His physical therapy includes workouts meant to build up his leg muscles and increase strength and mobility in his ankles. Painter said they hope that course of treatment will avoid surgery.

"No doubt it's a setback, but it could be a blessing in disguise," Painter said.

Before the injury, Taylor had shown the Boilermakers more than they expected offensively. He impressed with his mid-range and perimeter shooting. Daily practice battles with 7-foot centers A.J. Hammons and Isaac Haas boosted Taylor's strength.

"Later down the road, he's going to be tough," Thompson said. "I think he'll surprise a lot of people."

Taylor's basketball body may be temporarily shut down, but his mind is not. He said he watches Hammons and Haas, both to follow their example and learn from their mistakes.

He wants to take advantage of a chance to restart his career next fall.

"I had a whole year to watch and learn and evaluate and get more physically and mentally stronger as a basketball player," Taylor said. "It really could help me in the long run."

Thursday's game

Purdue (15-9, 7-4) at Rutgers (10-15, 2-10)

Time: 7 p.m.

TV: ESPNU

Radio: WYCM (95.7)