ST. LOUIS — Omer Mayer says there's a Hebrew word for his Purdue men’s basketball teammate Fletcher Loyer, one you would pronounce “meek-TSOH-ah” in English. It's the word Mayer used to call him "professional." It traces back to the first impression Loyer made on the freshman from Israel when they were getting up shots during Mayer’s official visit last summer. Mayer watched him confirm that title earlier this winter, when shots were not falling and Loyer practically moved into Mackey Arena. “What I’m trying to say is, if you live day by day with him, you understand why,” Mayer said. Purdue assistant P.J. Thompson used a more American word: “Superhero.” It’s the result of Loyer’s combination...
