Purdue’s chances at an extended run in the upcoming Big Dance took a major, major hit today when diagnosis for Robbie Hummel’s knee injury came back. In a word, the news was bad: Hummel tore his right knee’s ACL. Needless to say, Hummel’s junior season is now over, and more than likely, any thoughts Purdue had about a Final Four are too. Jeff Goodman was one of the first people to report the bad news about the knee, which Hummel injured in the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

The injury occurred when Hummel was driving the lane against the Gophers. During the move, Hummel planted and his knee buckled, causing the junior forward to fall to the floor, clutching his knee in pain.

Here’s a video of the play.

Over at Rush the Court, they have some details explaining how a team’s medical staff can identify such an injury without an MRI. Granted, the results of the MRI offer a final word; however, it normally confirms what the staff already knew.

Now for more sad news: Not only was Hummel the key to Purdue’s postseason success, he is/was a finalist for the Naismith Player of the Year award, as well as a shoe-in for one of the All-American team designations. Furthermore, at the time the injury occurred, Hummel was on his way to another good game. In 12 minutes of game-time, Hummel had already scored 11 points and was three-of-four from behind the 3-point line.

Here’s hoping Robbie has a successful reconstruction, a strong rehab and is able to make his way back to the court next season. We’ll certainly be watching.