16. Texas A&M Aggies
19. Indiana Hoosiers
22. Texas Longhorns
25. Miami Hurricanes
28. BYU Cougars
29. Maryland Terps
31. UCLA Bruins
32. Oregon Ducks
34. Florida Gators
35. Ole Miss
36. USC Trojans
39. Mississippi State Bulldogs
41. Memphis Tigers
42. McNeese Cowboys
45. VCU Rams
46. Dayton Flyers
47. St Mary’s Gaels
49. UCF Knights
52. Clemson Tigers
53. New Mexico Lobos
58. SMU Mustangs
60. Nevada Wolfpack
61. TCU Horned Frogs
63. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
65. Syracuse Orange
68. Iowa Hawkeyes
70. Butler Bulldogs
71. Princeton Tigers
74. Oklahoma Sooners
75. West Virginia Mountaineers
76. Georgia Bulldogs
77. UAB Blazers
80. Missouri Tigers
Here’s where our TCH analysts have the Boilermakers ranked:
| Steven | Maxwell | Kam | Cody |
| 13 | 22 | 9 | 13 |
Purdue Men’s Basketball: 2022-2023 Season Overview
Purdue’s season was a blend of high expectations and impressive performances, culminating in a 29-6 overall record and a stellar 15-5 conference finish. The Boilermakers were ranked among the top teams nationally, thanks to a series of dominant non-conference victories and consistent play throughout the Big Ten schedule. The team showcased its ability to adapt, often overcoming challenges with a balanced attack and a strong defensive presence. Key victories included a decisive win against rival Indiana and a thrilling game against Michigan, which helped solidify Purdue’s standing as a top contender heading into the NCAA Tournament.
Offensive Philosophy
Purdue’s offense was defined by a blend of size, skill, and smart execution. The Boilermakers averaged 78.2 points per game, relying heavily on their ability to score in the paint and shoot efficiently from beyond the arc. The team’s offensive game plan emphasized ball movement, with a focus on creating high-percentage shots, leading to an impressive shooting percentage of 48.7% from the field. Central to their offensive success was star center Zach Edey, who dominated in the paint, averaging 22.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. His size and footwork made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Alongside Edey, guard Braden Smith provided playmaking prowess, averaging 4.9 assists per game while contributing significantly in scoring.
Defensive Philosophy
Defense was the backbone of Purdue’s success throughout the season. Painter emphasized a disciplined approach, with the Boilermakers allowing just 66.3 points per game. Purdue’s defense was characterized by a strong interior presence, led by Edey, who not only protected the rim but also excelled at rebounding. The team was effective in forcing turnovers, averaging 8.5 steals per game. This pressure allowed Purdue to control the pace of games, creating opportunities for fast breaks and easy baskets. The defensive tenacity was evident in critical moments, allowing the Boilermakers to maintain leads and stifle opposing offenses.
Key Players
Zach Edey: The 7’4″ center was a force to be reckoned with, earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors. His ability to dominate the boards and score efficiently made him the focal point of Purdue’s offense.
Braden Smith: The talented guard not only contributed as a scorer (15.1 PPG) but also played a crucial role in orchestrating the offense. His court vision and ability to distribute the ball were pivotal to the team’s success.
Fletcher Loyer: The freshman guard quickly made a name for himself, averaging 13.6 points per game and proving to be a reliable outside shooter, complementing Purdue’s inside game.
Postseason Success and Looking Forward
Purdue entered the NCAA Tournament as a top seed, generating excitement among fans and analysts alike. However, their journey came to a surprising halt in the first round against a lower-seeded opponent, a disappointment that underscored the unpredictability of March Madness. Despite the early exit, the future looks bright for Purdue basketball. With a strong core returning and promising recruits joining the program, Coach Painter is poised to guide the Boilermakers back to national prominence. The 2023-2024 season promises to be another chapter in Purdue’s storied legacy, as they aim to reclaim their spot among the elite in college basketball.
Purdue Men’s Basketball: 2023-2024 Season Overview
Season Expectations
The 2023-2024 season for the Purdue Boilermakers promises to be an exciting chapter in the program’s storied history. With head coach Matt Painter at the helm, the team is poised to build on last year’s successes and address the challenges of high expectations. After an early exit from the NCAA Tournament last season, the Boilermakers are eager to prove their mettle and make a deeper run this time around.
Roster Highlights
Purdue returns a strong core, led by star center Zach Edey, who continues to be a dominant force in the paint. Edey, coming off a season where he averaged over 22 points and 12 rebounds per game, is expected to lead the team both statistically and as a vocal leader. Alongside him, guard Braden Smith will play a pivotal role in orchestrating the offense, providing both scoring and playmaking ability. The Boilermakers have also added key recruits and transfers, enhancing their depth and versatility. The infusion of talent will provide Painter with more options on both ends of the court, allowing for greater tactical flexibility throughout the season.
Offensive Strategy
Purdue’s offensive philosophy will likely focus on leveraging Edey’s presence in the post while maintaining a balanced attack. The Boilermakers averaged 78.2 points per game last season, and this year, they aim to increase their efficiency by emphasizing ball movement and spacing. Expect a mix of inside-out plays that create open shots for guards like Fletcher Loyer and Mason Gillis, who will be key contributors from beyond the arc. The team will also look to push the tempo when opportunities arise, utilizing their athleticism to capitalize on fast-break situations. Overall, the goal will be to create high-percentage scoring opportunities while maintaining offensive flow.
Defensive Identity
Defense will once again be a focal point for Purdue, with Painter’s system emphasizing physicality and discipline. The Boilermakers will rely on Edey’s rim protection and rebounding to anchor their defense, aiming to limit opponents’ second-chance opportunities and scoring in the paint. Purdue will employ a variety of defensive schemes, including man-to-man and zone coverage, to disrupt opposing offenses. The team’s ability to force turnovers and transition quickly into offense will be crucial in close games. Communication and teamwork on the defensive end will be essential as the season progresses.
Key Players to Watch
Zach Edey: The reigning Big Ten Player of the Year is expected to dominate both ends of the court, providing scoring, rebounding, and leadership.
Braden Smith: The dynamic guard will be vital in facilitating the offense and providing scoring support, playing a key role in clutch situations.
Fletcher Loyer: As a sharpshooter and versatile scorer, Loyer’s ability to stretch the floor will create opportunities for Edey and open up the offense.
Mason Gillis: A versatile forward, Gillis will contribute on both ends, providing additional scoring and solid defense.
Season Conclusion
The 2024 season in West Lafayette was marked by continued excellence, as the Boilermakers secured their second consecutive outright Big Ten regular-season championship, bringing their impressive total to 26 titles. Zach Edey received unanimous recognition as the National Player of the Year for the second year in a row, becoming the first men’s college basketball player to achieve this honor back-to-back since Ralph Sampson in 1983.
For the second straight year, Purdue earned a #1 seed in the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, this time in the Midwest Region. They advanced to the Sweet Sixteen with decisive victories over 16 seed Grambling State (78–50) and 8 seed Utah State (106–67). The win against Utah State marked their 31st victory of the season, setting a new program record for wins in a single season. The Boilermakers continued their strong play by defeating 5 seed Gonzaga 80–68 in Detroit, clinching a spot in the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019.
In the Elite Eight, Purdue faced a familiar opponent, the 2 seed Tennessee Volunteers, on Easter Sunday. Tennessee was led by Dalton Knecht, widely regarded as the second-best player in the nation. Zach Edey delivered a standout performance, scoring 40 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, leading Purdue to a thrilling 72–66 victory and securing their first trip to the Final Four under Matt Painter, and their first since 1980. This victory was a significant milestone in Purdue Men’s Basketball history, with many within the program viewing it as a transformative moment after years of unmet expectations in the NCAA tournament. Former All-American Robbie Hummel was present for the radio broadcast and was visibly emotional, sharing heartfelt moments with the coaching staff, including his former head coach, Matt Painter.
After finally reaching the Final Four in Phoenix, Purdue faced a surprising Cinderella team, NC State, led by standout big man D.J. Burns. The Boilermakers maintained control throughout the game and pulled away in the second half, winning 63–50 and marking their first Final Four victory since 1969, thus advancing to the National Championship game for the first time in 55 years. There, they would face the defending national champion UConn Huskies, who had triumphed over Alabama in the other Final Four matchup.
The championship game featured a showdown between two All-American 7-footers, with UConn’s Donovan Clingan also standing tall at 7’2″. The game was highly anticipated as a clash of two dominant centers. Purdue stayed competitive in the first half, despite being a 6-point underdog, but struggled with their usual three-point shooting, making just 1 of 7 attempts. UConn’s strong perimeter defense made scoring from outside difficult. In his final game for Purdue, Zach Edey scored 37 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, but UConn pulled away in the second half, ultimately winning their second consecutive national title with a score of 75–60. At the end of the season, Zach Edey declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, leaving Purdue as the program’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, and field goal percentage.
2024-2025 Season Preview
One of the key factors that made the Boilermakers the top team in the Big Ten during the 2023-24 season was the exceptional talent of All-American and National Player of the Year Zach Edey. His presence in the lineup was invaluable, but with Edey moving on to the NBA, Purdue will face the challenge of replacing his impressive average of 25.2 points per game. Nevertheless, Head Coach Matt Painter has built a successful career in West Lafayette by effectively navigating significant offseason losses.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, Purdue retains a strong backcourt, with nearly all players returning from the previous year. The team’s elite guard play will be crucial if they aim to dominate the Big Ten again. To achieve this, they will need one of their post players to make a significant improvement. As Coach Painter enters his 20th year at the helm, he brings confidence after leading Purdue to its first Final Four appearance since 1980. With most of the roster intact apart from Edey, the Boilermakers are targeting their third consecutive Big Ten regular-season title. Junior point guard Braden Smith, who was pivotal in the 2023-24 season, will be a key driver for the team. He had an impressive sophomore year, scoring 468 points and nearly 300 assists. Alongside him, fellow junior guard Fletcher Loyer will also play a crucial role. However, Loyer needs to improve his performance in high-stakes games after a lackluster showing in the National Championship, where he went scoreless.
If Loyer continues to struggle in critical moments, he may see his minutes decrease, especially with many new players eager to make an impact. Experienced returners Caleb Furst and Trey Kaufman-Renn will need to step up, particularly in rebounding, as Edey averaged 12 boards per game. Kaufman-Renn, who played significant minutes alongside Edey, is expected to take on a larger role in the post. As for the rest of the roster, Edey was the only major departure, but the Boilermakers also lost key sixth-man Lance Jones, along with veteran players Mason Gillis and Ethan Morton, who entered the transfer portal. This means the team will rely on younger players, including sophomore guard Myles Colvin and forward Camden Heide. Heide, in particular, has the potential to emerge as a standout player for Purdue. Purdue continues to cultivate its tradition of having tall players, with two seven-footers waiting in the wings: Will Berg, who played in 14 games last season, and incoming freshman Daniel Jacobsen, ranked as the 54th best player in the country by 247 Sports. Jacobsen is part of an impressive five-member freshman class that adds depth and talent to the Boilermakers’ roster.
Braden Smith stands out as one of the premier playmakers in the nation, and his return is a significant boost for Purdue as they aim to remain a top contender in college basketball. During the 2023-24 season, Smith showcased not only his scoring ability—tallying 468 points—but also his exceptional court vision, nearly achieving 300 assists. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates and orchestrate the offense makes him an invaluable asset for the Boilermakers.
Under Coach Matt Painter, Purdue has built a reputation for developing talent and cultivating a winning culture. Painter’s track record speaks volumes; he has consistently led the team to success, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances and a run to the Final Four last season. His coaching philosophy emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and player development, all of which have contributed to Purdue’s status as a perennial powerhouse in the Big Ten and nationally.
With Smith at the helm, Purdue’s offensive strategy is likely to thrive. His knack for reading defenses and making quick decisions allows him to exploit mismatches and find open looks for his teammates. Whether it’s threading a pass through traffic or hitting a guard in transition, Smith’s skill set elevates the entire team’s performance.
Moreover, the continuity of having a seasoned point guard like Smith returning, combined with the talented roster surrounding him, positions Purdue as one of the top teams in the country. The familiarity among the backcourt players will allow them to build on their chemistry, creating an effective offensive unit. This cohesion, alongside Smith’s leadership, will be pivotal in navigating the challenges of the season.
Purdue fans can also take confidence from Painter’s history of bouncing back from roster changes and maintaining competitiveness. With a strong returning cast and promising new talent, the Boilermakers are poised to make another deep run in the NCAA tournament, reinforcing their reputation as one of the elite programs in college basketball. Smith’s role as a playmaker will be crucial in achieving this goal, as he not only drives the team’s success but also embodies the tenacity and skill that define Purdue basketball under Coach Painter.
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