The Big Ten's tradition of crowning its tournament champion last has been a staple for basketball fans, who eagerly transition from the title game to the NCAA Selection Show. This season was particularly memorable for Big Ten teams. Michigan dominated with a 19-1 regular season, Nebraska secured second place at 15-5, and Purdue clinched the league championship as the seven seed.
The Purdue Boilermakers, who started the season as the preseason number 1, took the Big Ten by storm. They powered through some of the conference's toughest teams, ultimately defeating Michigan in the finals.
With 11 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and 37 overall, Purdue enters the tournament as a 2 seed, poised for a deep run. Here’s why they’re a team to watch:
Braden Smith: The Maestro
Purdue boasts arguably the best point guard in the country in Braden Smith. Under head coach Matt Painter's guidance, Smith has evolved into a standout player. He's on the brink of breaking Bobby Hurley’s all-time assist record with 1,075 assists, a milestone he’s likely to reach early in the NCAA Tournament.
Smith’s court vision and elite passing make him a nightmare for defenses. Teams trying to contain him at half-court risk opening up opportunities for his pinpoint passes into the paint.
But Smith isn’t just a facilitator; he’s a scoring threat, leading the team in shot attempts and scoring, with a 37% shooting average from beyond the arc. His dual-threat capability is a key reason he was the preseason National Player of the Year and why he can propel Purdue to the Final Four.
Purdue's Towering Presence
Purdue’s reputation for strong big men continues under Painter's leadership. This year, while they may not have towering giants over 7 feet, their big men are skilled and effective.
Trey Kaufman-Renn has been a force, averaging over 13 points per game on 58% shooting, complemented by his rebounding prowess. Alongside him, Oscar Cluff is a powerhouse, shooting 70% from the floor and excelling in offensive rebounds.
Despite occasional defensive lapses and fouls, Cluff’s presence can be game-changing. Their ability to capitalize on opportunities created by Smith’s playmaking is crucial to Purdue’s success.
Role Players Stepping Up
Every championship-caliber team needs its role players, and Purdue has a cadre of them. These players often tip the scales in tight games and are essential for deep tournament runs.
CJ Cox, known as the glue guy, has delivered clutch performances, such as his pivotal threes against Nebraska that pushed the game to overtime. His defensive skills make him a key asset against top opponents.
Fletcher Loyer, arriving with Smith and Kaufman-Renn, has been a sharpshooter, leading the Big Ten in three-point percentage. After overcoming a midseason slump, Loyer’s resurgence makes Purdue even more formidable.
In summary, Purdue’s blend of star power, skilled big men, and reliable role players positions them as a formidable contender in the NCAA Tournament. With Braden Smith leading the charge, the Boilermakers are set to make waves.