SPORTS: Purdue Basketball Continues to Shine

BY: JILLIAN MILLER

JANUARY 18, 2023

For the Boilermakers, this season has been nothing short of amazing. 4 weeks atop the AP rankings and a near perfect record are two of the top accomplishments that Purdue basketball has to flex. Led by a very young offense and an exceptional post presence, the Boilermakers have consistently dominated the college basketball world through the first half of the season.

One can only wonder if the second half will look the same. After the tough loss against unranked Rutgers, a weight was lifted off the shoulders of the young team. Besides, it’s better to lose now than in the postseason when it’s do or die. Other than that rough game, it’s been pretty easy going for Purdue. With the consistently dominant performances of center Zach Edey and the incredible shooting and guard work from players like Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith, and Caleb Furst, the Boilermakers have been next to unstoppable. Edey has recorded 13 double doubles already this season, and is projected to continue that trend.

Purdue has rallied around not only his spectacular play, but also his charismatic presence on the floor. Edey is a defensive playmaker who commits very few fouls but creates a big problem for the opposition when they get anywhere near the goal, averaging multiple blocks per game (game high of 7 against Nebraska on 12/10). 

Something can also be said about the guards and forwards that Purdue yields. Fletcher Loyer is an explosive, small guard who jolts around defenders and usually has no problem getting to the goal and either going up strong or assisting Edey. Braden Smith leads the team in assists, but also manages to make opportunities for himself as the third leading scorer for the Boilermakers (behind Edey and Loyer, respectively). Veteran Caleb Furst has an intelligence for the game that not many other players have. Furst is a known playmaker and is able to see opportunities for his teammates better than others. Watching him play is quite a show.

The ultimate test for this talented group will be the second half of the season; many teams still see Purdue as “the team to beat,” though they no longer possess the AP #1 ranking following the Rutgers game. However, this team has been known to face adversity and handle it sufficiently. So, in my mind, this team will have no issues taking care of business and remaining a top 5 team through the remainder of the season.