The Purdue Boilermakers have seemingly been out of the national media spotlight this season. Given the rise of the SEC and the loss of back-to-back Wooden Award recipient Zach Edey, Purdue has not been in their usual spot atop the Top 25 rankings. However, this lack of attention does not mean that Purdue’s talent and experience should be discounted.
Purdue’s Veteran Squad is Not to Be Underestimated
Purdue is still one of the top teams in the nation. A major reason for this is their experienced backcourt. Junior point guard Braden Smith has been one of the best players at his position this year, and junior shooting guard Fletcher Loyer has been shooting lights out at over 48% from deep this season. These two have championship experience from last season’s deep tournament run.
Both players have the chance to make history in major statistical categories. Loyer is on pace to become a career 40% three-point shooter, something few players do. Smith is poised to join Hall-of-Fame point guard Jason Kidd as the only two players with this impressive statistical accomplishment:
How good has Purdue’s Braden Smith been this year?
In the history of Men’s College Basketball, there has been just 1 major conference player to post 15 PPG – 9 APG – 4 RPG – 2 SPG.
His name? Jason Kidd. Smith would become the 2nd.
He is currently averaging 15/9.2/4.6/2.1 👏
— Jordan Stocks (@StockTalks21) January 14, 2025
Unlike many teams, Purdue’s entire starting lineup are lifelong Boilermakers. None of them have transferred in from other schools and have been a part of what head coach Matt Painter has built over the years. Purdue is one of the most perennially successful programs in the nation.
After a Rough December, Purdue is Gathering Momentum at the Right Time
December saw Purdue go through a tough run of results, dropping 3 of 4 games in one period, including back-to-back games against Texas A&M and Auburn. However, they have recovered as they have entered conference play and are beginning to stack strong performances.
Purdue’s solidity, belief in their process, and steady operating has been evidenced by multiple blowout wins against conference opponents in recent weeks, but even more so by the way they battled adversity against Washington on Wednesday. Washington have proved to be a competitive team at home, as Alaska Airlines Arena has given other strong teams in the Big 10 problems, notably Illinois, who almost lost to the Huskies on January 5th, and Maryland, who did lose to UW on January 2nd. Although Purdue had several issues that resulted in a double-digit first half deficit, they were able to power through and lean on their experience to pull out the win.
The Boilermakers struggled from the free throw line early, had issues with turnovers, and could not guard the three-point line, giving up 3 quick triples in four possessions early in the first half. However, the team did not flinch, continuing to go about their business until they turned the tide in the second half with a quick 13-0 run that they never looked back from.
Morning from the West Coast.
👉 Five straight #B1G wins by double-figures for 1st time since 1988.
👉 Six straight opponents to 68 or fewer points.
👉 6-1 in Big Ten play under Painter for the 5th time (2025, 2023, 2018, 2011, 2008). pic.twitter.com/KAb1barNJ7— Purdue Men’s Basketball (@BoilerBall) January 16, 2025
Trey Kaufman-Renn has become the team’s leading scorer. Against Washington on Wednesday, Kaufman-Renn thrived in the middle of the lane, catching the ball off the short roll and getting easy looks near the rim. Multiple of Smith’s 5 assists were finding Kaufman-Renn off the pick and roll.
Overall, it was a complete team performance. Center Caleb Furst had 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals. Smith had 17 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals. The defense was strong, as they turned Washington over 17 turnovers, which is the Huskies’ season high.
Purdue Have Everything in Front of Them As They Enter the Meat of Their Schedule
Purdue are right at the top of the Big 10 standings as of now, and with everything to play for moving forward. The two teams currently ahead of them, Michigan State and Michigan, still remain on the schedule. In fact, Purdue is entering one of the toughest sections of their schedule as they look to finish out January strong.
Saturday is the end of Purdue’s west coast swing, with their last stop being against the #13 Oregon Ducks. It will be a real test for Painter and his team, but one they can absolutely win. After that, they return to West Lafayette for a three-game home stand that includes games with a tough Ohio State team, the aforementioned Michigan Wolverines, and a talented Indiana bunch. The Boilers will relish this chance to re-establish themselves as title contenders over these next two weeks. The first order of business is to earn another tough road win in Eugene.
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