When the 2014 season began last August, Shondell's squad was ranked #8 in the country, fresh off an Elite 8 appearance, and was dreaming of reaching the Final Four with one of the best freshmen classes in the country. Though the season had its ups and downs, and the chance of making the Final Four with this squad became a dream rather than a possibility, everyone still assumed that Purdue, a team that reached 4-consecutive Sweet 16s, would easily reach the tournament. After all, Purdue remained ranked in the Top 25 despite their struggles.
But in their last three match-ups of the regular season, all on the road, they were swept by Minnesota, Michigan State, and Wisconsin.