Welcome to the April 7th, 2023 rendition of the "Weekly Upload". We are proud to be sponsored by Reindeer Shuttle, locally owned and ran by Purdue graduates. Driving to the airport sucks let Reindeer Shuttle do the driving for you! With convenient pickup locations across Lafayette and on campus, Reindeer Shuttle will get you to the Airport safely and on time.
Purdue Basketball Recruiting
Brandon Newman announced his departure from Purdue via Twitter this week, in something that was not surprising at all. Purdue was lucky to hold onto him for this season, as it seemed he was on his way out after the 2022 tournament finished last year. But, he came on strong late in the season and will be recruited heavily as a transfer with up to two seasons left if he chose to use a covid year. Really, the obvious destination looks like Notre Dame with Micah Shrewsberry, Micah always spoke highly of Brandon, it is close to home and Shrews needs some talent. Purdue fans came to love Brandon, because when times got tough for him, he answered the call and did not run. We will root for him wherever he goes.Now with Brandon leaving and David Jenkins Jr graduating, Purdue has two open scholarships for the upcoming year. Here is my scholarship grid:
Coach Painter has not hid the fact that they need to get more athletic, especially at the guard position. Purdue was exploited by little know FDU, with their superior athletes and junkyard dog play-style. Painter recognized that they have been defeated by the same scheme three years in a row, just against a team with a different name.
Purdue automatically gets more athletic with Camden Heide coming off his redshirt season, as he recovered from a high school injury. Heide would regularly put on a dunk show pre-game late in season. I am not sure where he fits at, in terms of a 2, 3 or 4. But he should provide an athletic punch and some length on the perimeter.
Then of course you have standout incoming freshman Myles Colvin who will be too talented to keep off the court. By default, Purdue started two freshmen in the backcourt this past season, I am not saying he is a bonafide starter, but we all know what he can do cutting to the basket. If Myles can prove he has a consistent shot and buys in on defense, he will have to be a starter during the 2023-2024 season, in my opinion.
So, that begs the question, who is the secondary ball handler? Is it Ethan Morton, Fletcher Loyer, Myles Colvin?
Coach Painter made it obvious that he is being aggressive in the transfer portal, looking for help.
A name that popped up this week was Baylor transfer LJ Cryer, he appeared to be a Purdue lock a few years ago and was ready to commit after coming to campus, then Jaden Ivey took precedent, understandably so, you don't tell a future NBA guard, no.
It is thought that Coach Painter and the staff have reached out to Cryer to gauge his interest. Fending off Kansas, Kansas State, and Texas will be a tall task. Kansas State's HC, Jerome Tang was the lead recruiter of Cryer to Baylor.
Another name that has been pushed to me this week, is Combo Guard Lance Jones. Lance is from Southern Illinois and there is thought to be mutual interest between the two, a rumor is floating that he may be visiting this weekend.
Jones has 113 starts under his belt at Southern Illinois. He would have one year left in college basketball, this past season he averaged 13.8 PPG, 3 RPG, and 2.5 APG. He is a career 33% three-point shooter. He is solid defensive instincts, is quick, and handles the ball well. He is more of a rim attacker than a spot-up shooter, something Purdue lacked this past season, which became even more obvious against FDU.
Obviously, a lot is on pause until Zach Edey's decision as well. The NBA Combine is Mid-May. It has yet to be announced, but Edey will obviously go through the draft process and receive feedback at a minimum. If he does leave, Purdue may explore front-court options in the portal as well.
What Does Brandon Newman's Transfer Mean for Purdue?
Brandon Newman's journey has been one of high highs, and low lows. After starting for most of his freshman season, he
Spring Football Visitors Continue to Pour In & Recruiting Notes.
As I mentioned last week on the weekly upload, Purdue is extremely thin at cornerback. Not only are they thin, but they are also very, very young at the position as well. So, without really needing to say much, Purdue is diving into the transfer portal. They already have Stanford Cornerback, Salim Turner-Muhammad coming this summer, but they are looking into Penn State Cornerback, Marquis Wilson. Wilson has played in 28 career games and would have one season left to play at Purdue. He has 55 career tackles and two interceptions.I also mentioned the Maryland Nose Tackle transfer last week, Tank Booker, who is quite literally a tank. He is shopping himself around currently, but Purdue could also use some experience on the defensive line, particularly with big bodies at nose tackle, wherein the new defense there will often be times that they will be head up on the center playing both A gaps.
Eric Karner, who is currently a verbal to Purdue, is without a question exploring his options. He received an offer from Alabama earlier this week. Purdue will obviously try to hold on to the 2024 tight end, but it will take a lot of time and resources, it appears. This young staff is willing to fight for the guys they want though, there is no doubt, as well as the fact that more resources are being poured into recruiting than ever before at Purdue.
Local defensive back, Micah Lillard was at practice this week. He is a cornerback from Lafayette Jeff - let me tell ya from coaching against him, he is very good. He has offers from just about every single MAC school. I personally believe he could play in the Big Ten. At 6-2, 180 pounds, he fits the mold for cornerbacks that Coach Walters and Coach Kane are after.
Xavier Williams, an in-state running back from Lake Central was in town this week as well. He has an offer from Iowa. He is a 220-pound bruising type of tailback. Purdue has yet to offer, it seems.
Purdue is in the mix for highly touted Defensive End Brandon Davis-Swain. Coach Walters and his staff are fighting off big names and big schools.
Mylan Graham committed to Ohio State this week, which comes as no surprise, as they have turned themselves into wide receiver university in recent years. It was always going to be an uphill climb for Purdue to land him over the Buckeyes and probably would have taken a small miracle.
Three-Star 2024 Linebacker Cael Brezina Recaps Purdue Visit
Three-star linebacker Cael Brezina discusses his visit to Purdue and where things stand with his recruitment.
2024 Commit Eric Karner Wants To Be Part Of Something Special At Purdue
Three-star tight end Eric Karner discusses his decision to commit to Purdue.
Spring Ball Notes & Information
As I mentioned last week, Hudson Card is as good as advertised and Coach Walters speaks frequently about that. He lifts other players around him and makes everyone better.The transfer of Sione Finau is thought to be a family matter, as he wants to be closer to home in Texas. This may pave the way for Marcus Mbow as a starting guard. Indiana Wesylan transfer Ben Farrell will help at guard as well.
Yanni Karlaftis and Khordae Sydnor both have been vocal about how this new staff is more relatable and defensive-minded, a change of pace in West Lafayette,
Khordae Sydnor Ready To Show Versatility In New System
Rising outside linebacker Khordae Sydnor plans on showing off his versatility in Purdue's new-look defense.
New Defense Gives Yanni Karlaftis An Opportunity To Showcase Himself
Yanni Karlaftis has undergone several position changes at Purdue, but now feels at home with the inside linebackers.
Purdue Spring Football Mailbag: April 4th
Boiler Upload answers your questions about Purdue football and spring practices.
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