Player fan access after Big Ten final - Zach Edey, Jenkins, Gillis

[SLoopBoiler]

After game we snuck down to the 100 level & Purdue tunnel area at United Center. Was amazing to see Zach spending probably almost hour signing autographs, taking selfies, signing posters, etc. with Purdue fans. He energetically and politely accommodated everyone, each kid, etc. so rare when he could have been on the floor. They had to find him to remind him cut the net.
He is cherishing the moment and appears to be quite grateful and humbled by these moments.

Later David Jenkins and Gillis came out and were terrific, appreciative, and class. Jenkins made quite the impression; pretty easy to see why Painter likes him - heart and purpose.

Also, got sighting of Eric Hunter Jr at the game in his Purdue gear, and Purdue fans were terrific with him as he was with them.

Say what you want, but we have been blessed with some terrific young men of character and loyalty in the last few years from Rondale, David Bell, Blough, Aidan O'Connell, Ivy, Zach, etc.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

After game we snuck down to the 100 level & Purdue tunnel area at United Center. Was amazing to see Zach spending probably almost hour signing autographs, taking selfies, signing posters, etc. with Purdue fans. He energetically and politely accommodated everyone, each kid, etc. so rare when he could have been on the floor. They had to find him to remind him cut the net.
He is cherishing the moment and appears to be quite grateful and humbled by these moments.

Later David Jenkins and Gillis came out and were terrific, appreciative, and class. Jenkins made quite the impression; pretty easy to see why Painter likes him - heart and purpose.

Also, got sighting of Eric Hunter Jr at the game in his Purdue gear, and Purdue fans were terrific with him as he was with them.

Say what you want, but we have been blessed with some terrific young men of character and loyalty in the last few years from Rondale, David Bell, Blough, Aidan O'Connell, Ivy, Zach, etc.

If you might be undecided on the team chemistry or David Jenkins, Jr.'s role/fitting in, here's a few post-game comments from JENKS, himself. Matt Painter doesn't use the portal a lot (and not nearly as much as other programs), but this was a wise decision, IMO.

 

[Schmedly_Whiplash]

I really like this kid. Happy to see him breaking out and feeling (being) involved.
Outstanding David!

 

[Professor Emeritus]

Edey is like Cal Ripken, Jr., with the autographs and selfies. Zach is one of the greatest players and ambassadors the program has ever had.

 

[purduedavie]

If you might be undecided on the team chemistry or David Jenkins, Jr.'s role/fitting in, here's a few post-game comments from JENKS, himself. Matt Painter doesn't use the portal a lot (and not nearly as much as other programs), but this was a wise decision, IMO.

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I was at all 3 games this tournament, Jenkins is like another Coach on the bench, seems like a great leader. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him around next year in some capacity, wonder if he would be interested in a grad assistant spot?

 

[Mr_Scott]

Purdue Basketball posted some pics.

 

[ImRonBurgandy?]

Anyone know the back story to the nickname World Star Dave? It's an awesome nickname.

 

[rgarlitz]

Purdue Basketball posted some pics.

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Those are really cool photos. Zach seems like a genuinely good guy. What a great representative of Purdue!

 

[BoilerMaker P]

Anyone know the back story to the nickname World Star Dave? It's an awesome nickname.

I was kind of curious about that too. World Star! was something that people say/yell while watching or recording a fight, a reference to the world Star website that posts fight videos mostly recorded on cell phones. Not sure if that is where DJJ got his Twitter handle or what.