Caden Pierce, the standout player from Princeton University and the Ivy League Player of the Year for the 2023–24 season, has officially announced his decision to transfer to Purdue University for the final year of his college basketball eligibility. The announcement was made via his Instagram account on Friday.
After conducting a thorough recruitment process that included five official visits, Pierce chose Purdue over other prestigious programs such as Duke, Gonzaga, the University of Louisville, and the University of Connecticut. He expressed a strong preference for a school where he could find a sense of belonging. “After taking all my visits, I decided on a place that felt most like home,” Pierce stated, highlighting how moving to the Big Ten powerhouse holds personal significance since he will only be two hours away from his hometown in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
Pierce’s decision follows a turbulent season at Princeton that saw him sit out his senior year to retain eligibility. This period was marked by significant team changes, including the departures of teammates Xaivian Lee and Jack Scott, amidst a challenging 8–15 season for the Tigers.
As he joins the Boilermakers, Pierce is anticipated to take on a crucial front court role, stepping in as the team prepares to lose key graduating players Trey Kaufman-Renn and Liam Murphy. Pierce emphasized his eagerness to make an immediate impact and contribute as a leader to a younger team.
His recruitment process was intense, with over 20 programs expressing interest after entering the transfer portal, but Purdue stood out early due to the proactive involvement of head coach Matt Painter and assistant coach P.J. Thompson, with whom he found strong rapport.
The Boilermakers, currently ranked No. 13 in the AP poll and heading into the 2025–26 season with expectations for NCAA tournament contention, have not yet secured an NCAA championship despite their historical record of success. Pierce noted the importance of improving his three-point shooting and overall offensive game as he prepares for the rigorous challenges of the Big Ten.
Looking toward the future, Pierce considers his upcoming tenure at Purdue as a pivotal step towards entering the professional basketball arena, with aspirations to reach the NBA by 2027. He acknowledged the struggles of sitting out a year and training solo, which fostered personal and athletic growth.
As he prepares to enroll as a graduate student this fall, Pierce is eager to immerse himself in the vibrant basketball culture of Purdue and the supportive environment of Mackey Arena. “I’m just excited to be in that environment and have that kind of support for my last year of college basketball,” he remarked.
Pierce’s journey reflects resilience and ambition, positioning him well for a bright future in collegiate sports and beyond.