After coming off of a riveting Elite 8 run in 2019, Purdue had some lofty expectations to live up to in the 2019-20 season. Any way you look at it, Purdue did not meet these expectations.
For the past 5 years, the expectation for Purdue basketball is at the very least an NCAA Tournament birth. I suppose we will never know if Purdue would have achieved that birth this year; however at 16-15 the Boiler’s chances seemed very slim.
Although there’s a lot of uncertainty around the team, there’s still plenty to be excited about. Purdue will add several instant impact commits and redshirts next year.
But the real excitement comes in 2021. Purdue has already received a commitment from 4 star Forward (30th nationally), Caleb Furst. Purdue also has eyes on some other great recruits.
One recruit is 5 star SF, Harrison Ingram. Purdue was listed in his top 10 and fits the description of a school he’s looking for: somewhere with great academics that’ll get him to the NBA.
Chet Holmgren, a 5-star center (2nd ranked recruit nationally) out of Minnesota, is another top priority for the Boilers. Chet is another stereotypical Purdue big, standing at seven-foot, and having great scoring prowess.
Other targets with less chance of landing at Purdue include: SG Max Christie, the 12th ranked player nationally, and SG Matthew Cleveland, ranked 27th nationally.
Any of those recruits could raise Purdue’s status to a Big Ten powerhouse.
Texas Tech is a prime example of what Purdue could be like. Both teams have great coaches in Matt Painter, and Chris Beard which help draw recruits in alone.
However, what really pushed Texas Tech into a Big 12 powerhouse was their National Championship appearance a year ago; introducing top recruits to their program.
The class of ’21 recruits could be just what Purdue needs to finally reach another Final 4, and get Purdue the recognition they deserve nationally.
Through their National Championship appearance, Texas Tech has created itself a self-sustaining recruitment system year in and year out; which is just what Purdue has been craving for years.
Many uncertainties surround the Boilermakers, however, better days are on the horizon.
Photo Credit: Purdue Athletics
