Ayrton Oneill
The Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball team has had a rich history in the NCAA Division I, with over 30 players making it to the NBA, including two overall No. 1 picks in the NBA draft. They have had several successful seasons, including in 2021 when they became the No. 1 college basketball team in the country for the first time. They repeated this feat in 2022 and 2024, becoming the first Big Ten program to be ranked No. 1 for three consecutive seasons. With a strong roster and talented newcomers, the Purdue Boilermakers are once again projected to be ranked No. 1 in the 2025-26 season. Will they be able to secure and maintain the top spot this time?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 12th December 2022 |
| Ranking | No.1 |
| Previous ranking | No.4 |
| Number of first-place votes | 27 |
| Season wins | 10 |
| Season losses | 0 |
| Big Ten wins | 2 |
| Big Ten losses | 0 |
| Number of consecutive seasons at No.1 | 2 |
| Number of weeks at No.1 | 1 |
| Previous No.1 ranking | 2021 |
| Number of times ranked No.1 | 2 |
| Number of weeks ranked in AP poll | 379 |
| Number of first-place votes received | 61 |
| Head coach | Matt Painter |
| Notable players | Zach Edey, Fletcher Loyer, Oscar Cluff, Daniel Jacobsen, Gicarri Harris, Raleigh Burgess, Antoine West |
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What You'll Learn
Purdue's previous rankings
Purdue has had a strong history of basketball, with the team reaching the top rankings in previous years. In 2022, Purdue ascended to the #1 ranking for the second time in the school's history and the second time in two seasons. The team's success was short-lived, as they fell from the top spot after a loss to Rutgers.
Fast forward to 2025, and Purdue is once again making waves in college basketball. In a way-too-early Top 25 ranking for the 2025-26 season, Purdue is projected to be the #1 team, with Florida close behind. This ranking is based on the team's talent and roster continuity, with key players like Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and Oscar Cluff contributing to their success.
Purdue's 2025 roster boasts a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers. The team has added veterans like Oscar Cluff, a South Dakota State transfer, and Daniel Jacobsen, who is expected to provide rim protection. The Boilermakers have also retained their entire frontcourt, which was already the deepest in college basketball.
Despite the early ranking projections, there are some uncertainties surrounding roster building, NIL money, and the transfer portal. However, with their talented players and experienced coach, Matt Painter, Purdue is well-positioned to compete for the top spot in the 2025-26 season.
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Roster changes
Purdue's men's basketball team has seen several roster changes ahead of the 2025-26 season, with a mix of returning players, incoming recruits, and departures.
Returning Players
Some players have confirmed their return to the team for the upcoming season. These include Gicarri Harris, a forward from Cincinnati, Ohio, who will be a sophomore and Raleigh Burgess, a center from the Sunshine Coast, Australia, who will be a senior. Other returning players include Omer Mayer, a forward from Staten Island, New York, and Liam Murphy, a guard from Toledo, Ohio.
Incoming Recruits
The team has also added some new players to their roster. One notable addition is Oscar Cluff, a transfer from South Dakota State. Cluff, a 6'4" freshman from Tel Aviv, Israel, is an elite rebounder and is expected to provide valuable depth to the team. Another incoming recruit is Antoine West, who will be joining the Boilermakers for the 2025-26 season.
Departures
On the other hand, some players from the 2024-25 roster have entered the transfer portal and will not be returning. One notable departure is Will Berg, who played as a center for the Boilermakers. Berg took to social media to thank the fans and the program before announcing his transfer. Other departures include Myles Colvin, who transferred to Wake Forest, and Camden Heide, who left for Texas.
Projected Starters
While the exact starting lineup may vary, some players are projected to start for the 2025-26 season. These include Braden Smith, C.J. Cox, Fletcher Loyer, Trey Kaufman-Renn, and Oscar Cluff.
The Boilermakers are looking to build on their previous successes and the combination of returning talent and strategic roster additions puts them in a strong position for the upcoming season.
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The impact of a No. 1 ranking
Achieving a No. 1 ranking can have a significant impact on a basketball team's reputation, performance, and future prospects. Here are some key impacts of a No. 1 ranking:
- Recognition and Prestige: A No. 1 ranking brings recognition and prestige to the team and the university. It elevates the team's profile, attracting attention from fans, the media, and basketball analysts. This increased visibility can lead to greater sponsorship opportunities, enhanced recruiting capabilities, and a boost in the university's overall reputation.
- Morale and Confidence: Securing the top spot can have a tremendous impact on the team's morale and confidence. It validates their hard work and serves as a source of pride for the players, coaches, and supporters. High morale can translate into improved performance on the court, as players feel motivated and driven to maintain their top ranking.
- Recruiting Advantages: A No. 1 ranking can be a powerful tool for attracting top talent. Elite players often seek out prominent programs that offer a platform to showcase their skills and increase their chances of progressing to professional leagues like the NBA. Purdue's No. 1 ranking, for example, is coupled with its ability to retain talented players, such as Daniel Jacobsen and Oscar Cluff, and attract new ones, enhancing its roster continuity.
- Seeding and Tournament Placement: In college basketball, a No. 1 ranking can influence tournament seeding and placement. The NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings, which replaced the RPI, are used to evaluate teams for tournament selection and seeding. While the NET rankings consider various factors, including the Team Value Index (TVI) and adjusted net efficiency, a No. 1 ranking can indicate a team's strength and increase their chances of securing favourable placements during tournaments.
- Increased Expectations: With a No. 1 ranking comes greater expectations from fans, alumni, and the basketball community. There is pressure to maintain the top spot and perform at the highest level consistently. This heightened scrutiny can impact coaching strategies, player development, and the team's overall approach to the game.
While a No. 1 ranking offers numerous advantages, it also presents new challenges and responsibilities. The impact of this ranking extends beyond the court, influencing the team's dynamics, public perception, and long-term success.
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Purdue's performance in 2025
Purdue's performance in the 2024-25 season was impressive, with the team returning the entire frontcourt and adding depth to their roster. The Boilermakers' perimeter depth took a hit with the departures of Myles Colvin and Camden Heide, but they still managed to finish the season ranked 3rd in the Final AP Poll, with a record of 29-6 (15-5 in the Big Ten MBB).
Purdue's performance in the 2025-26 season is expected to be strong, with their deep and talented roster. The team has a good balance of veteran players and young talent, with players like Daniel Jacobsen and Tahaad Pettiford expected to have breakout seasons. The Boilermakers' strong frontcourt, which is already the deepest in college basketball, will be a key strength for the team.
However, it is important to note that these are early projections, and the actual performance of the team may vary. The ongoing movement in the portal and the addition of new players can impact the team's dynamics and performance. Nonetheless, with their talented roster and experienced coach Matt Painter, Purdue is well-positioned to have a successful season and compete for the national championship.
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The Boilermakers' coach
The Boilermakers is the name of the football, basketball, softball, volleyball, wrestling, lacrosse, and soccer teams of Purdue University.
The Boilermakers Coach
Football
The Boilermakers football team has had 37 head coaches and 3 interim coaches since it started playing organized football in 1887. The current coach is Barry Odom. The team has been known by the nickname Boilermakers since 1891. Six coaches have led the Boilermakers to postseason bowl games: Jack Mollenkopf, Jim Young, Leon Burtnett, Joe Tiller, Danny Hope, and Jeff Brohm. Nine coaches have won conference championships with the Boilermakers: Snake Ames, D. M. Balliet, A. G. Scanlon, James Phelan, Noble Kizer, Elmer Burnham, Stu Holcomb, Mollenkopf, and Tiller. No Purdue coach has led the Boilermakers to a national championship.
Basketball
The Boilermakers men's basketball team is currently coached by Matt Painter, a former player and Purdue alum. He is in his 20th season as head coach and is second on the school's all-time wins list. Painter guided Purdue to their first Final Four in 44 years and their first National Championship game since 1969 in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The Boilermakers men's and women's basketball teams have won more Big Ten Championships than any other conference school, with 37 conference banners, including a league-leading 24 for the men's team. Gene Keady, who coached for 25 years, is Purdue's all-time winningest coach.
Softball
The Boilermakers softball team began play in 1994 and has made two NCAA Tournament appearances in 2008 and 2009. The current head coach is Magali Frezzotti.
Volleyball
The Boilermakers women's volleyball team started play in 1975 and has made the AIAW/NCAA tournament 27 times since. The team has been coached by Dave Shondell since 2003.
Wrestling
The Boilermakers wrestling team started in the 1913-14 season. The team is coached by Tony Ersland, who wrestled for the University of Iowa under coach Dan Gable. He is assisted by Tyrel Todd, Kendric Maple, and Jake Sueflohn. Purdue University has won 3 NCAA national championships.
Lacrosse
The Boilermakers men's club lacrosse team was founded in 1971 by David Hoof. The team's current coach is Dan Sahm, former Boilermaker captain, defensive player of the year, and HM All-American.
Soccer
Since the 1930s, Purdue has fielded a club soccer team.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Purdue has been ranked #1 in basketball. In 2021, the team was ranked #1 for the first time in its history. In 2024, Purdue became the first Big Ten program to be ranked as #1 in America for three consecutive seasons.
Purdue was first ranked #1 in the 2021-2022 season.
Matt Painter was the coach when Purdue was ranked #1 for the first time.
Some of the notable players on the Purdue basketball team include Oscar Cluff, Daniel Jacobsen, Gicarri Harris, and Raleigh Burgess.
The history of Purdue basketball dates back to 1896, when they played their first game against the Lafayette YMCA and won 34-19. Purdue has the most Big Ten regular-season championships with 26 conference titles. They have reached three NCAA Tournament Final Fours and two NCAA championship games but have not won an NCAA Championship. Purdue has sent more than 30 players to the NBA, including two overall #1 picks in the NBA draft.
