Purdue didn’t wait for the transfer portal frenzy to kick into high gear - they made their move early. On Friday, Matt Painter and the Boilermakers secured a major addition in Princeton forward Caden Pierce, one of the most well-rounded and experienced players available this cycle.
Pierce, a 6-foot-7, 205-pound forward, brings a unique blend of toughness, versatility, and high-IQ basketball to West Lafayette. He took an official visit to Purdue back in late November, and despite interest from bluebloods like UConn, Duke, Louisville, and Gonzaga, he ultimately chose the Boilermakers. That’s a big win for Painter, who’s continuing to build a roster capable of contending deep into March.
Pierce had already announced back in July that he’d be redshirting the 2023-24 season while finishing his degree at Princeton, with plans to enter the portal. That gave him a head start on the process - and gave programs a chance to scout a player who’s already proven he can perform on big stages.
Let’s talk résumé. Pierce was the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2023-24, and his impact on both ends of the floor has been consistent over three seasons.
He started 89 games for the Tigers, averaging 11.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in that span - numbers that speak to his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. He’s not just a scorer or a rebounder; he’s a connector, someone who makes the right play and elevates the guys around him.
Fans might remember his breakout during the 2022-23 season, when he was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year and played a key role in Princeton’s Sweet 16 run. That year, he put up 8.2 points and 7.3 boards per game - not gaudy numbers, but his presence was felt in every possession.
His sophomore campaign was his most explosive, statistically: 16.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. That’s when he really showed he could be a go-to option.
Even last season, while his scoring dipped slightly to 11.2 points per game, he maintained his all-around production with 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists. It’s that consistency and versatility that makes him such a valuable pickup for Purdue. He’s not going to dominate the ball, but he’s going to make winning plays - and he’s battle-tested from his time in the Ivy League and the NCAA Tournament.
For Purdue, this is about more than just adding talent - it’s about adding the right kind of player. Pierce fits the Boilermakers’ culture: tough, team-first, and unafraid of the moment.
With the way college basketball is evolving, getting ahead of the portal game is crucial. And in Caden Pierce, Purdue just landed a player who can help them win right away.