Something’s brewing in West Lafayette. And no, it’s not just the aftershock of Zach Edey’s departure — it’s the unmistakable crackling energy of a team that’s building something big, something bold, and something championship-worthy.
While the rest of the college basketball world enjoys the quiet calm of summer, the Purdue Boilermakers are already hard at work, sculpting the early skeleton of what could become Matt Painter’s most complete team yet. From returning stars who refuse to settle for last season’s disappointment to new faces pushing the tempo, Cardinal Court has been buzzing all summer with sweat, fire, and belief.
This isn’t just practice. It’s preparation for a title run.
A Core That Refuses to Crumble
Let’s start with the foundation. Purdue isn’t limping into the 2025-26 season searching for answers. They’re returning with four key rotation players, including the duo of Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer — the backcourt generals who’ve grown from freshmen flashes to mature floor leaders.
Braden Smith, the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, has returned with a sharpened edge. Reports from early practice say he’s already showing improved pace, elite shot control, and a better command of the half-court offense without Edey’s massive shadow.
Smith isn’t alone. Loyer has come back stronger, faster, and ready to embrace his role as a two-way spark plug. He’s knocking down threes in scrimmages, defending harder off screens, and playing with a chip on his shoulder after the way last season ended.
Add in Trey Kaufman-Renn, who looks poised to become one of the Big Ten’s most versatile forwards, and Daniel Jacobsen, a 7-foot-3 center built to dominate the paint, and you’ve got a core that’s equal parts hungry and polished.
Newcomers Turning Heads Early
But here’s where it gets even more exciting. This isn’t just a team running it back — it’s a team evolving.
Purdue’s summer practices have introduced a fascinating blend of youth, international skill, and transfer toughness.
Oscar Cluff, the Australian big man, has already turned heads with his mobility and rebounding instincts. He’s not Edey — nobody is — but he doesn’t need to be. His versatility could allow Purdue to play faster and switch more defensively.
Omer Mayer, a skilled international guard, is earning early buzz for his smooth handle and deep shooting range. He’s the kind of player who could crack the rotation early if he continues to thrive in scrimmages.
Liam Murphy, a seasoned wing from Columbia, brings perimeter defense and maturity. He’s expected to guard the opposing team’s best player and stretch the floor when needed.
Antione West Jr., the high-flying freshman guard, may not start immediately, but he’s shown jaw-dropping athleticism and a natural scoring touch in drills. Don’t be surprised if he becomes a fan favorite fast.
These additions aren’t just filler. They’re fuel.
Defensive Identity: Harder, Faster, Smarter
One of the most revealing storylines from summer sessions? Purdue’s defensive emphasis.
With Edey gone, the Boilermakers can no longer rely on simply funneling everything toward a 7-foot-4 rim protector. So Painter and his staff are crafting a new identity — one based on switchability, toughness, and aggressive perimeter pressure.
Jacobsen has reportedly improved his footwork and timing, allowing him to patrol the paint more efficiently. Meanwhile, Kaufman-Renn and Murphy are being leaned on to defend wings and stretch forwards, giving Purdue more matchup flexibility than ever.
Guards like Loyer, Mayer, and Smith are being pushed to become ball-hawking pests — not just staying in front of their man, but disrupting passing lanes and generating turnovers.
Offense Without Edey? More Pace, More Movement
Offensively, the biggest question was always: How do you replace a generational post presence like Edey?
Answer: You don’t. You evolve.
This summer, Purdue has been experimenting with five-out spacing, more high pick-and-rolls, and multiple ball handlers sharing creation duties. Smith, now free from always playing through the post, is reportedly taking more threes, slicing into the lane, and showing better vision in transition.
Loyer has found new space to operate. With defenders no longer sagging to double the post, his midrange and outside game are starting to flourish.
And don’t sleep on Mayer and West Jr. — their ability to slash, kick, and shoot is already injecting a faster rhythm into Purdue’s attack.
Expect more possessions, more touches, and a more modern offensive pace come November.
The Mission Is Clear: Redemption and Respect
The Purdue veterans didn’t run from expectations. They embraced them.
After last year’s crushing Elite Eight loss, the returners sat down with Coach Painter and committed to one goal: win it all. Not just compete. Not just get close. Win.
This summer’s practices haven’t been light run-throughs — they’ve been intense, focused, and intentional. Players are being held accountable. Roles are being defined. Chemistry is being built one fast break and hard screen at a time.
Painter is shaping this group not just to survive life without Edey, but to thrive because of it.
The Warning Shot Has Been Fired
Other top programs — Kansas, Duke, UConn — may be hogging the national headlines right now, but make no mistake:
Purdue is building something special in silence.
The noise will come soon enough.
Cardinal Court saw magic this summer. Explosive, gritty, unfiltered basketball magic. A team that could’ve folded after losing its greatest big man instead doubled down, reloaded, and reminded everyone why they’re still very much a national title contender.
So mark it down: Purdue isn’t rebuilding. They’re reloading.
And when March Madness arrives, don’t say you weren’t warned.
