Purdue's Hummel one of two student-athletes selected
Robbie Hummel would like to see the NCAA make some changes in college basketball.
After being selected recently to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Issues Committee, the Purdue forward and former Valparaiso High School star will have an opportunity to affect change.
Hummel is expected to serve on the committee until Sept. 1, 2011.
The first meeting is scheduled for next week at the NCAA's headquarters in Indianapolis.
"I really don't know how they came to choose me, but it's a great honor to be selected," Hummel said. "I found out when a couple of people on the committee e-mailed me."
Hummel is one of two students on the 16-man committee comprised mostly of athletic directors and coaches from around the country.
"I think there are a lot of good things we could do concerning the game and issues that need to be addressed or fixed," Hummel said prior to working with youngsters Monday night at one of head coach Matt Painter's basketball camps.
Hummel said he hopes a plan can be implemented that would allow incoming freshmen to join their returning teammates for any summer foreign exhibition tours.
Hummel believes Purdue's incoming freshmen should be able to accompany the team on its trip to Australia later this summer.
"I don't understand why they aren't allowed to participate," Hummel said. "I think it would be beneficial not only for them, but for everybody."
When asked what other changes he'd like to see in the game, Hummel wasn't ready to talk specifics.
"College basketball is a great sport," he said. "I'm going to have to study a little bit in order to make a rational decision, so I'm not going to say anything until I can find time to read up on it."
Hummel's appointment to the committee likely has as much to do with his performance in the classroom as on the court.
He also earned a perfect 4.0 grade-point average the first semester and narrowly missed matching the feat this spring.
On the floor, the 6-foot-8 forward sparkled in his first season with the team, averaging 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Posted in Sports on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 12:00 am Updated: 12:28 am.
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