So, what does Purdue have to do?

Two seasons ago, Robbie Hummel had back spasms and a broken vertebra. His team, Purdue, was written off as doomed. The Purdue Boilermakers, even with a dinged up Hummel for part of the season won the Big Ten Tournament, and got to the Sweet 16
Last season, Robbie Hummell blew an ACL playing here against the Gophers. Purdue was written off as done. The Purdue Boilermakers, even without Hummel, were Big Ten co-champs, went to the tournament, got to the sweet 16 and put up a decent fight with eventual champion Duke.
Now, before the season started this year, Hummel blew his other ACL.Without him, Purdue has gone 12-1 with one admittedly bad loss to Richmond on a neutral court. For whatever reason, Purdue is still written off as a non-factor. Hasn't Purdue proven they can play without Hummel yet?
I'm not complaining, because the Boilers usually prove themselves on the court. I'm just mystified by the perception everyone has of the team without him. I guess it just goes to the stereotype that white people are better at basketball.
(In case you wondering, the Star Trib has them finishing 5th in the Big Ten this year... I can't find the article online)