Matt Painter is no ogre. He's not beyond mixing a little pleasure (emphasis on little) with basketball business as No. 7 Purdue hits the tropics with the Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands.

“We'll have a little bit of fun,” Painter said, “but you don't want to have a lot of fun. We're there to play and win games. It was that way with Coach (Gene) Keady. He didn't lock you in a hotel and do nothing, but he also wasn't into having a free-for-all.

“We'll do a few things, but we're there for business.”

Business starts with South Dakota State (2-0) in tonight's opening round. The Boilers (1-0) will play either Boston College (2-0) or St. Joseph's (2-0) on Sunday. The final round is set for Monday. Also in the field are No. 10 Tennessee (2-0) and Northern Iowa (1-0).

“Any time you play quality opponents and get some early wins, it's important in building your resume,” Painter said. “It helps your chances of getting into the NCAA Tournament and getting a better seed.”

An inexperienced team might be tempted to look ahead to Tennessee, but these Boilers are way beyond that. Their lineup of three- and four-year starters has long since bought into the one-game-at-a-time approach.

“I told our players to be worried about South Dakota State,” Painter said. “That's it. Have a one-game mentality. Keep the focus on the opponent.”

Purdue has thrived in early tournaments. Last year it was second in the Preseason NIT. Two years ago it was third in the Las Vegas Classic. It went 2-1 in the 2006 Maui Invitational.

The locations are fine, but not a big point for Painter. He's after good competition and experience.

“We look at the field,” Painter said. “That's the most important thing. The more quality a tournament has with quality teams, the more it helps Purdue improve and get into the NCAA Tournament and have success.”

It's been a week since the Boilers opened their season with an 89-64 victory over Cal State Northridge. Forward Robbie Hummel led with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists. Forward JaJuan Johnson had 15 points, the sixth straight game he's scored in double figures. Guard Chris Kramer had 11 points.

With point guard Lewis Jackson not expected to return until at least February from a broken foot, the Boilers will go with Kramer, Keaton Grant and E'Twaun Moore, plus freshman Kelsey Barlow, at that position.

Losing Jackson hasn't diminished the Big Ten title and Final Four expectations. This event is part of the preparation.

“The field is big time,” Painter said. “You have that quick turnaround with games, which is the way it is in the NCAA Tournament.

“It will help get us ready for the Big Ten season and for March.”