Hoosier State of Mind
Fansided

Indiana Basketball: 5 most hated Purdue players of all-time

By Trevor Gersmehl

KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 23: Isaac Haas #44 of the Purdue Boilermakers looks on from the bench against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at Sprint Center on March 23, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 23: Isaac Haas #44 of the Purdue Boilermakers looks on from the bench against the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at Sprint Center on March 23, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – JUNE 11: Brian Cardinal #35 of the Dallas Mavericks around during practice prior to Game 6 of the 2011 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena on June 11, 2011 in miami, Florida. Game 6 will be played on June 12. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – JUNE 11: Brian Cardinal #35 of the Dallas Mavericks around during practice prior to Game 6 of the 2011 NBA Finals against the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena on June 11, 2011 in miami, Florida. Game 6 will be played on June 12. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images) /

Brian Cardinal (1996-2000)

Throwing it back to the early 2000s, Brian Cardinal was a Purdue great who was about the exact opposite of A.J. Hammons. Cardinal was known for his great effort and hustle, constantly diving on the floor for loose balls and causing Hoosier fans to groan in angst.

Cardinal finished his collegiate career with 1,584 points, but he most impressively finished with 259 career steals, second most in Purdue history.

This effort and defensive skill lended to him having a long NBA career as well, even winning a championship as a role player with the Dallas Mavericks.

Any great defensive player is liable to get under the opposing fans’ skin, and although you have to respect his effort, it doesn’t make it any easier to watch your beloved team struggle to play against a guy like Cardinal, which is why he falls on this list.

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