Amanda Knapp
Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball has had a rich history in the sport, with several notable achievements. In the 2021-2022 season, they achieved their highest ranking, reaching #1 in the AP Poll for the first time. They were also ranked #1 in the nation in December 2021 and again in January 2023, making them the first team in Big Ten history to be ranked #1 for three consecutive years. With a strong performance in the 2019 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, they reached the Elite Eight for the first time in two decades. Purdue's success can be attributed to their talented players, experienced coaches, and effective strategies, solidifying their place as a prominent force in college basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purdue's basketball ranking in 2021 | #1 in AP Top 25 poll for the first time |
| Purdue's basketball ranking in 2022 | #1 in AP Poll for the first time |
| Purdue's basketball ranking in 2023 | #1 in AP Top 25 poll for the second time |
| Purdue's ranking in Big Ten history | #1 for three consecutive years |
| Purdue's ranking in 1987-88 season | #2 |
| Purdue's ranking in 2021-22 season | #1 |
| Purdue's seeding in 2019 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament | #3 in the South Region |
| Purdue's seeding in 2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament | #4 in the South Region |
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What You'll Learn
- Purdue Boilermakers ranked #1 in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time in 2021
- Purdue's 2022 season: #1 in the AP Poll for the first time
- Purdue's 2019 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament
- Purdue's 2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament
- Purdue: first team in Big Ten history to be ranked #1 for 3 consecutive years
Purdue Boilermakers ranked #1 in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time in 2021
On December 6, 2021, the Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball team made history by securing the No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time. This achievement came after a successful start to the 2021-22 season, with the team going undefeated in their first eight games. The Boilermakers' rise to the top spot was cemented by a 77-70 victory over Iowa on December 3, 2021, which impressed Iowa coach Fran McCaffery, who acknowledged the Boilermakers' depth, experience, size, and offensive versatility.
Prior to this historic achievement, Purdue had come close but had never reached the pinnacle of the AP poll. Their highest previous ranking was No. 2 during the 1987-88 season under the leadership of Gene Keady. In the 2021-22 season, the Boilermakers finally broke through and earned the top ranking, showcasing their dominance in college basketball.
The 2021-22 season was a significant one for the Purdue Boilermakers, as they not only achieved their first-ever No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25 poll but also built on their rich basketball history. The Boilermakers have a proud tradition, with Keady leading them to six Big Ten Championships and 17 NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure from 1980 to 2005.
The 2021-22 season also marked a new era for Purdue basketball, with Matt Painter at the helm as head coach. Painter, a former player under Keady, had previously guided the team to success, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2019. With a talented roster that included senior forward Trevion Williams and sophomore guard Jaden Ivey, Painter steered the Boilermakers to new heights in the 2021-22 season, solidifying their place in the program's history.
The Purdue Boilermakers' achievement of becoming the top-ranked team in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time in 2021 was a testament to their hard work, talent, and determination. It marked a historic moment for the program and served as a foundation for future success, as they continued to build on their legacy in college basketball.
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Purdue's 2022 season: #1 in the AP Poll for the first time
Purdue's 2022 season was historic as the Boilermakers reached #1 in the AP Poll for the first time in the program's history. It was also the earliest time in a season that an unranked men's team in the preseason rose to #1 since the AP Poll began in 1950-51.
The Boilermakers' road to the top spot was not an easy one. Before the season started, most observers predicted that the team would take a step back from the previous year, where they advanced to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16. This skepticism was due to the departure of four of Purdue's top six scorers, including NBA lottery pick and All-American guard Jaden Ivey. As a result, the Boilermakers were picked to finish fifth in the Big Ten by the media and were unranked in the Associated Press poll.
However, Purdue silenced the doubters with a strong start to the season. Led by senior Trevion Williams and All-American sophomore guard Jaden Ivey, the team went on a winning streak that propelled them to the top of the rankings. During this run, they achieved back-to-back victories over Gonzaga and Duke in the Phil Knight Legacy tournament. Purdue's success can also be attributed to the strong performances of their starting guards, including freshmen Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith, who averaged 13.1 points and 9.3 points per game, respectively.
The 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey was also a pivotal player for the Boilermakers. Edey led the team with impressive averages of 22 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. His performances earned him the top spot in analyst Ken Pomeroy's Player of the Year standings, and he was an early favorite for the national player of the year awards. With a strong core of players, Purdue reached #1 in the AP Poll, achieving a historic first for the program.
The 2022 season marked a significant milestone for Purdue men's basketball, as they climbed to the top of the AP Poll for the first time, defying initial expectations and showcasing the team's resilience and talent.
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Purdue's 2019 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament
Purdue has a rich history in basketball, with the Boilermakers competing in NCAA Division I and being a founding member of the Big Ten Conference. They hold the most Big Ten regular-season championships with 26 titles and have reached three NCAA Tournament Final Fours and two championship games.
In the 2019 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, Purdue was seeded 3rd in the South Region. They began their campaign by defeating the Old Dominion team 61-48. In the second round, they convincingly beat the #6 seed and defending champions Villanova by a score of 87-61, advancing to their third consecutive Sweet Sixteen. Purdue then faced a tough test against the #2 Tennessee Volunteers, emerging victorious in a back-and-forth contest that required overtime to decide the winner, with Purdue ultimately prevailing 99-94. This win propelled them to their first Elite Eight in two decades.
In the Elite Eight, Purdue squared off against the #1 seeded Virginia Cavaliers, led by Kyle Guy and Hunter. This game was another thriller, with Purdue ultimately falling to Virginia in overtime. Virginia would go on to win their first national title by defeating the Red Raiders 85-77 in overtime, with Kyle Guy being named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
The 2019 tournament was significant for Purdue, as it showcased their resilience and ability to bounce back after a disappointing 2018 season marred by injuries and suspensions. Carsen Edwards of Purdue was the leading scorer in the tournament, amassing 139 points in just four games, averaging 34.8 points per game.
Following the cancellation of the 2020 tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Purdue returned to the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in 2021 as the 4th seed in the South region. They faced a challenging matchup against the 13th-seeded North Texas, forcing the game into overtime but ultimately falling short. Purdue's quest for an NCAA Championship continues, and their consistent presence in the tournament demonstrates their competitiveness and determination.
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Purdue's 2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament
Purdue has a rich history in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, with 26 Big Ten regular-season championships—the most in the conference. The team has reached three NCAA Tournament Final Fours and two NCAA championship games but has never won an NCAA Championship.
In 2021, Purdue was seeded fourth in the South Region of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament. Their first-round matchup was against the 13th-seeded North Texas team, which they took to overtime after trailing 32-24 at halftime. However, Purdue couldn't score in overtime until the last 30 seconds, and North Texas pulled off an upset, winning 78-69.
The 2021 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament was a unique event, held entirely within the state of Indiana, with the majority of the 67 games taking place in Indianapolis. The tournament was also marked by the "Mask Madness" initiative, promoting health and safety through social distancing and mask-wearing.
While Purdue has never been ranked #1 in a single week in three consecutive years, they achieved this feat over three consecutive seasons from 2024 to 2026, becoming the first Big Ten team to do so. Purdue was also ranked first in the nation during the 2021-2022 season and received their highest-ever ranking during the 1987-1988 season, placing as high as second in the nation.
Purdue's performance in the 2021 tournament was a continuation of their strong showing in 2019, where they were seeded third in the South Region. They advanced to the Elite Eight that year, defeating defending champions Villanova in a thrilling contest.
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Purdue: first team in Big Ten history to be ranked #1 for 3 consecutive years
Purdue has a rich history in basketball, with the men's team achieving notable successes over the years. In the 2021-2022 season, the Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball team reached a significant milestone, becoming the first team in Big Ten history to be ranked #1 for three consecutive years. This achievement is a testament to the team's consistent performance and dominance in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference.
During the 2021-2022 season, the Purdue Boilermakers, led by senior Trevion Williams and All-American sophomore guard Jaden Ivey, climbed to the top of the Associated Press (AP) Poll rankings for the first time in the program's history. This achievement was not only a first for the team but also a significant milestone for the entire Big Ten Conference. The Boilermakers' success in the 2021-2022 season built upon their strong performance in the previous year, where they were seeded 3rd in the 2019 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
In 2019, the Purdue Boilermakers showcased their prowess on the court, advancing to their third straight Sweet Sixteen under the leadership of coach Matt Painter. They faced tough competition but demonstrated their resilience and ability to overcome challenges. This consistent performance across multiple seasons established Purdue as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. The team's success in recent years has attracted attention and recognition from basketball enthusiasts and analysts alike.
The Boilermakers' historic achievement as the first team in Big Ten history to be ranked #1 for three consecutive years is a testament to their hard work, talent, and dedication to excellence. This milestone has solidified Purdue's place in the annals of college basketball and has further fuelled the passion and pride of the team's dedicated fans. The team's success has also brought increased visibility and recognition to the university, elevating its reputation in the highly competitive world of college athletics.
While Purdue's men's basketball team has achieved remarkable feats, it is important to acknowledge that success in sports is often fleeting and contingent on various factors. The team's performance in the years following their historic ranking may fluctuate, and they may face new challenges and obstacles. However, the foundation of excellence established during their consecutive #1 rankings will continue to inspire and guide the program as they strive for future victories and achievements.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Purdue has been ranked #1 in basketball. In 2021, Purdue was ranked #1 in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time. In 2023, they were ranked #1 for the second time.
Yes, Purdue has been ranked #1 for three consecutive years. In fact, they are the first Big Ten team to achieve this.
Purdue received its highest ranking during the 2021-2022 season when it was ranked #1 in the nation.
As of 23 January 2023, Purdue was ranked #1 in the AP Top 25 poll for the second time that season.
As of July 2025, Purdue was seeded 3rd in the South Region of the 2019 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
