What's bigger than Zach Edey? That would be the mental hurdle Purdue needs to clear as it starts its NCAA journey

Friday night, the No. 1 seed Boilers get a shot at redemption. But even if they win -- OK, when they win -- there's a lot more work to do.

Yeah, it’s on their minds. Of course it is, the unspeakable opening-round loss to Fairleigh Dickinson last year in Columbus, Ohio. It’s been on their minds all season and now it’s really at the forefront. And it’s a psychological hurdle that is taller than even Zach Edey. All season, Purdue has attempted to consign that embarrassing performance to the dustbin of history, but it’s been impossible. It just hangs there, like a noxious cloud.

As reporters moved around the Boilers’ locker room Thursday afternoon, it seemed like every question began like this: “So, after what happened last year…” Last year will continue to dog them, torment them until they do what they’re supposed to do – not only beat No. 16 seed Grambling State in the first round Friday night at Gainbridge, but go deep in the tournament, perhaps reach the Final Four. We all know the history, the first-round loss to North Texas, the Sweet Sixteen loss to Saint Peter’s, the epic upset loss last year to FDU.

They say they’ve learned.

They say they are a better, more mature, more well-rounded team.

They say the guards, Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, are one year older and more prepared for the tournament spotlight.

They say their 3-point shooting, second-best in the nation this year after being No. 290 last year, will make a monumental difference.

Now they need to prove it, more to themselves than anybody else who may be waiting for them to fall apart again on a national stage. And make no mistake, America will be watching. America will be waiting to see how Purdue handles the pressure, how it holds up under the weight of its own horrific post-season history.

“We want to prove people wrong,” Edey said. “I think a lot of people have that game in the back of (their) mind, and that’s not who we are. That’s not what we’re defined by. I think a lot of people on the team want to show that’s not the truth.”