Purdue Basketball Preview 2021
Our Purdue basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that in the past 16 years, the Boilermakers have been to the NCAA Tournament 12 times. During all of those appearances, Matt Painter (355-184 Purdue/16 years, 471-272 Overall/23 years) has been their coach. During Painter’s tenure, they’ve been to the Sweet 16 twice and Elite Eight once. Last year, after the Purdue Boilermakers (18-10 Overall, 13-6 Big Ten) finished fourth in the conference, they were eliminated from the Big Dance in the first round. Interesting to note that unlike other programs, the Boilermakers have managed to bring back just about every player from last season. That’s great new for this team.
Boilermakers Frontcourt
Senior forward Trevion Williams (15.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 52.5 FG%) has recorded 21 double-doubles in his first three seasons. In the past two years, Williams has led the Boilermakers in scoring and rebounding. He’s considered to be one of the most reliable and consistent players in the country. Sophomore center Zach Edey, who comes in a seven-foot-four and 285 pounds, had a fine freshman season. Last year, he averaged 8.7 PPG and 4.4 RPG while completing 59.7 percent of his field goals. Sophomore Mason Gillis is the third man in. The stretch 4 hit 35.2 percent of his shots from downtown, as well as 46.5 from the field and 81.4 percent from the charity stripe. Freshman center Caleb Furst arrives ready to play. This is one of the best frontcourts around.
Purdue Basketball Preview – Backcourt
Two three-year starters return. Point guard Eric Hunter Jr. is Purdue’s best defender, while his ball handling and decision-making have improved. Shooting guard Sasha Stefanovic, a premium perimeter threat, hit 41.6 percent of his twos and 40.0 percent of his threes. In addition, he shot 84.2 percent from the foul line. Also ready to go is sophomore shooting guard Jaden Ivey. Ivey, who averaged 11.1 PPG last season, played with Team USA’s 19-Under national squad this summer. Expect him to return with refined skills. He should see his 24.3 MPG increased this season. There is also plenty of additional experience and depth in back.
Purdue Basketball Preview 2021 – Final Word
With 90.9 percent of minutes played returning, the Boilermakers are the second-most experienced major conference team in the nation. The Butler Bulldogs at 94.1 percent are the most experienced team. Along with bringing a huge number of minutes played into this season, this team is tough on D and deep with guards. However, after you get past the starters, the frontcourt gets a tad light. Our Purdue basketball preview 2021 - 22 acknowledges that this team has a huge amount of potential. We certainly expect them to get to the NCAA Tournament. We’d be surprised if they did not go deep into March Madness.
Big Ten - Purdue Rankings & Projections 2021
AP Top 25 Preseason Poll Ranking: 7
NCAA Men's Basketball NET Ranking: 29
Big Ten Finish: 2
Postseason Tournament: NCAA Sweet 16