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Purdue Men's Basketball has achieved the number-one ranking in the AP Top 25 on multiple occasions. The team first reached the top spot in 2022, ending their season at number four. They returned to the number-one ranking in 2024, and most recently, in April 2025, they were ranked number one in the way-too-early Top 25.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ranking in 2021 | #1 for the first time in school history |
| Ranking in 2022 | #1 for the second time in school history |
| Ranking in 2024 | #1 |
| Previous highest ranking | #2 in 1988 |
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What You'll Learn
Purdue men's basketball ranked #1 for the first time in 2021
Purdue Men's Basketball has had a long history of coming close to a number-one ranking but falling short. In 2010, for instance, they reached No. 3 in the AP poll, but a loss to Michigan State sent them back down to No. 7. In 2021, they beat No. 6 Villanova while ranked No. 5, and they went on to become ranked No. 1 for the first time in their history. However, they only held the ranking for one week before falling to Rutgers.
In 2022, Purdue ascended to the No. 1 ranking for the second time in school history and the second time in the past two seasons. This time, they received more first-place votes than No. 3 Virginia, and jumped three spots to No. 1 in the AP Top 25.
In 2023, Purdue made history again by becoming the first team in Big Ten history to be ranked No. 1 for three consecutive years. This era of Purdue basketball, which began with their first No. 1 ranking in 2021, has been a time of crazy consistency for the program, with fans relishing the opportunity to compete with and beat elite teams.
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The team reached #1 for the second time in 2022
Purdue Men's Basketball reached the #1 spot in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time in December 2021. The team reached #1 for the second time in 2022.
Before 2021, Purdue had never been ranked #1, but it had come close on several occasions. In the 1987-1988 season, the Boilermakers started the season ranked #2 in the preseason poll. They held this ranking for five straight weeks before a loss to Iowa State saw them drop to #11. Purdue also reached #3 in the AP poll in 2010, but a loss to Michigan State sent them down to #7, and they ended the season at #10.
In 2021, the team earned its first-ever #1 ranking after a trio of non-conference victories and a win over North Carolina. Iowa coach Fran McCaffery praised the team, saying, "They can hurt you in so many different ways. They have depth, they have experience, they have size, they have shooters." However, Purdue coach Matt Painter remained focused on the ultimate goal of winning the NCAA Championship, acknowledging that "it's tough" to end the season as the top-ranked team.
The following year, in 2022, Purdue reached #1 in the AP Top 25 men's rankings for the second time in two seasons. The team had been ranked #4 the previous week and received more first-place votes than #3 Virginia. This time, their rise to the top spot was first announced by the official Basketball Twitter account, with the AP Top 25 Twitter account confirming the ranking shortly after.
Purdue's success in 2022 can be attributed to effective teamwork, with players like Edey, Smith, and Gillis demonstrating impressive skills and coordination on the court. The team's ability to get the ball to Edey in challenging positions, such as the middle of the floor, and their overall performance in high-profile games, contributed to their ranking.
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Purdue's ranking strategy: getting the ball to Edey
Purdue Men's Basketball has been ranked #1 twice in its history, both times within two seasons of each other.
Purdue center Zach Edey is the most decorated men's college basketball player in over four decades. Standing at 7'4", he is the tallest player in the NCAA. Edey's height and skill make him a dominant force on the court, and getting the ball to him is a key strategy for Purdue.
Edey's presence in the paint creates a significant advantage for Purdue, as his height and strength make him a highly effective scorer and rebounder. His size also creates opportunities for his teammates, as he can draw defenders and then pass the ball out to open shooters. This strategy is particularly effective when combined with Purdue's strong three-point shooting.
However, as demonstrated in their loss to Fairleigh Dickinson, opponents can neutralize Edey by focusing their defense on denying him the ball. In this game, FDU employed a strategy of consistently sending two to three players to defend Edey, making it extremely difficult for Purdue to get him the ball inside.
To counter such defensive strategies, Purdue can utilize Edey's improved conditioning and willingness to dunk the ball. His increased mobility and aggressiveness around the basket will make it harder for defenders to deny him the ball. Additionally, Edey's ability to punish switches and create mismatches can be further exploited with better spacing and passing, allowing him to receive the ball in more advantageous positions.
Purdue's strategy of getting the ball to Edey has been a key factor in their success, and by making adjustments to counter defensive schemes, they can continue to leverage his unique abilities to maintain their ranking.
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Jaedon LeDee's improvement as a scorer
Purdue Men's Basketball has been ranked #1 in the AP Top 25 for the second time in its history, achieving this feat in consecutive seasons (2022 and 2023).
Now, onto Jaedon LeDee's improvement as a scorer:
Jaedon LeDee, a 6-foot-9, 240-pound senior, has been a pivotal player for the San Diego State Aztecs. LeDee has significantly improved his scoring, becoming a national scoring leader and carrying the Aztecs on his shoulders. His improvement from 7.9 points per game in 2022-23 to 21.4 points per game in 2023-24 represents a remarkable 13.5-point increase, the second-highest improvement among Aztec 1,000-point scorers.
LeDee's scoring prowess was evident in his 34-point performance against Washington, matching his career-high, and he also recorded 32 points in an NCAA Tournament game, setting a program record. His ability to consistently put up high point totals has established him as one of the nation's top scorers.
LeDee's improvement can be attributed to his increased comfort and understanding of the team's dynamics and his own role within it. He has embraced a more prominent position, showcasing his scoring prowess and contributing to the team's success. His hard work and dedication have paid off, as he has earned his place as a key contributor.
Additionally, LeDee's all-around game has improved, with an increase in rebounds per game and a strong free-throw percentage. His ability to draw fouls and his accuracy from the line further enhance his scoring impact. LeDee's improvement as a scorer has been instrumental in the Aztecs' success, and he continues to be a key player to watch.
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The role of Jamal Shead in Houston's offensive success
Jamal Shead has been an integral part of the Houston Cougars' offensive success in recent years. As a freshman, Shead played a minor role as a backup point guard, averaging 3.3 points and 1.5 assists per game. However, his impact grew significantly in his sophomore season, where he averaged 10 points and 5.8 assists per game. During this season, Shead was promoted to the starting lineup due to injuries to other guards, and he thrived in this role, leading the Cougars' offense to win both the AAC regular season and tournament championships.
In the NCAA tournament, Shead's performance was even more impressive, averaging 15 points per game and leading the Cougars to the Elite Eight. Notably, he scored 21 points in an upset victory over the South Regional No. 1 seed Arizona in the Sweet 16. Shead's outstanding sophomore season earned him a place on the All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) Third Team.
As a junior, Shead maintained his high level of play, averaging 10.5 points, 5.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. He received several accolades, including being named to the All-AAC Second Team and earning AAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Shead's defensive prowess was evident, as he became the first player to win both the Big 12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season.
In his senior season, Shead continued to excel, leading the Cougars to a regular-season title. He averaged 12.9 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, showcasing his all-around ability. Shead's performance in the NBA Draft Combine further highlighted his potential as a playmaker. He was selected by the Sacramento Kings but was traded to the Toronto Raptors, where he continued to develop as a promising young guard. Shead's impact extended beyond his individual achievements, as his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates contributed significantly to Houston's offensive success.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Purdue has been ranked number 1 in men's basketball.
Purdue was ranked number 1 for the first time in 2021.
Purdue has been ranked number 1 twice.
Purdue held the number 1 ranking for only one week before falling to a last-second shot at Rutgers.
