In their quest for a Big Ten championship, the No. 2 Purdue Boilermakers faced early road losses that threatened to derail their journey. However, instead of letting those setbacks define them, the team chose to regroup and chart a different course. Four weeks later, Purdue finds itself on the inside track to a regular-season title run.
The Boilermakers adopted a mentality of simply focusing on winning games. Despite being aware of the standings and the teams leading the conference, their approach remains unchanged. They believe that the key to success lies in their ability to consistently come out on top.
While having All-American center Zach Edey has been a definite advantage for Purdue, the team recognizes that relying solely on him won't guarantee continued success. Being one of the nation's most dominant big men means that Purdue constantly carries a large target on their backs. To thrive under such circumstances, the team has learned the importance of collective effort and resilience.
Last season, the Boilermakers faced losses to Maryland, Northwestern, and Rutgers, along with a season sweep by Indiana and a late rally by Penn State in the conference tournament title game. These defeats ultimately led to a shocking loss to 16th-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson in the NCAA Tournament. Determined to make amends, the players entered this season with a renewed determination.
Rather than dwelling on their early season missteps against Northwestern and Nebraska, Purdue used those losses as motivation to push forward. Coach Matt Painter emphasized the significance of taking care of business at home while also managing to secure victories on the road. This mindset has been essential in building one of the Big Ten's strongest resumes over the years.
Since the 2009-10 season, only Michigan State has won more regular-season titles than Purdue in the Big Ten, with the Boilermakers claiming four championships. They have also reached four of the last seven Big Ten tournament championship games, emerging as victors in both the regular season and tournament last year with a three-game lead. Now, they find themselves ahead of schedule in their pursuit of another title.
Purdue boasts an unblemished 11-0 home record, a perfect 5-0 record on neutral courts, and a 5-2 record in Big Ten away games. With only three road trips remaining, the Boilermakers remain in a strong position to secure their desired conference standing. However, their upcoming rematch against rival Indiana will be a significant test.
In previous years, Indiana has emerged victorious in three of the last four matchups against Purdue. Moreover, they recently pulled off an impressive comeback, overcoming an 18-point deficit to defeat Ohio State on the road. Nevertheless, Purdue's destiny this season appears different due to the construction of their team.
With the return of sophomore guards Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith, who have grown stronger and better-equipped to handle the challenges, Purdue has fortified its backcourt. Mason Gillis, a former starter, chose to come back for a sixth season and accepted a bench role. Caleb Furst, Indiana's 2021 Mr. Basketball, willingly took on a backup position after starting 21 games last season.
Trey Kaufman-Renn, who replaced Furst in the starting lineup, brings athleticism and solid rebounding to the team. Additionally, the additions of guard Lance Jones and forward Cameron Heide have bolstered Purdue's athleticism and scoring ability. The team's versatility allows them to win games in various ways, even when their shooting isn't on point.
Of course, when the going gets tough, Purdue can still rely on their dominant center, Zach Edey. With an average of 23.1 points per game and 11.7 rebounds, Edey leads the Big Ten in both categories. His outstanding performances have been instrumental in Purdue's recent seven-game winning streak.
A victory against Indiana in their upcoming matchup would give Purdue their longest winning streak of the season and solidify their position among the top five teams for a remarkable 30th consecutive week—a streak that is currently the longest active one in Division I basketball.
However, the ultimate measure of success for Purdue this season lies in their ability to reach the Final Four and win a national championship. The entire campus is well aware that all the regular-season accolades and rankings will pale in comparison to this significant achievement.
As the season progresses, Purdue remains focused on their goal of winning games and making a deep postseason run. With their resilient mindset, collective effort, and the talent they possess, the Boilermakers have positioned themselves as strong contenders in the Big Ten and beyond. The Purdue faithful eagerly await the outcome, supporting their team every step of the way.
