Purdue University is set to kick off its 128th basketball season this Tuesday, marking a significant milestone for the Boilermakers. With an impressive all-time record of 1,953 wins against 1,092 losses, Purdue ranks 10th on the NCAA victories list, showcasing a winning percentage of .641. The team boasts an outstanding record of 106-21 in season openers, demonstrating their readiness to start each year on a high note.
This season also sees Purdue aiming to extend its favorable performance at Mackey Arena while holding the top rank in the nation. The Boilermakers have played ten games as the number one team in the arena, achieving a 9-1 record, the sole loss being to Rutgers in January 2023 by a slim margin of just one point. Their victories at home when ranked first come with an impressive average of 25.3 points, with two games decided by less than 14 points. Overall, they hold a 16-6 record as the nation’s top-ranked team.
In recent exhibition games, Purdue demonstrated its dominance by winning the last four home exhibitions against various opponents by a staggering total of 193 points, averaging 48.3 points per game. A remarkable performance in their recent game against UIndy included a school record of 15 made three-pointers, with contributions from eight players.
Fletcher Loyer has been a standout in season openers, averaging 16.7 points over his first three starts, and he is on the verge of reaching a personal milestone of 200 career three-pointers. Another key player, Braden Smith, made history last year with 15 assists in the season opener, setting a record for the most assists by a Purdue player in a season debut. He is also close to a significant accomplishment on the Big Ten’s career assists list.
Under the tenure of head coach Matt Painter, Purdue has proven to be a formidable opponent against in-state teams, boasting an impressive 31-4 record at home and a 33-game winning streak against non-conference teams from Indiana. The Boilermakers have also established a remarkable 32-game home winning streak against non-conference opponents, emphasizing their dominance in Mackey Arena.
This season could see more accolades for Purdue, as four players have been nominated for position awards by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, reflecting the team’s depth and talent. Additionally, Braden Smith has been named the preseason Big Ten Player of the Year, with teammate Trey Kaufman-Renn also recognized on the first team.
Purdue’s recent success extends to its recruiting efforts, as they have consistently produced first- and second-team All-Americans over the past several seasons, despite not enrolling a top-30 recruiting class. Coach Matt Painter is nearing a milestone of 500 career victories, currently holding 496 wins and ranking fourth in Big Ten history.
As excitement builds for this upcoming season, the Boilermakers have already sold out their ticket allotment for the year, extending their sellout streak at Mackey Arena to an impressive 106 games. Fans can look forward to a thrilling season ahead, starting with the opener, as the team continues to build on its strong legacy.