On Friday night, not only with the Alabama Crimson Tide play what is likely their toughest opponent of the 2024-25 college basketball season so far, but the program also travels away from Coleman Coliseum for the first time this season.
That is because the Crimson Tide will travel north Friday night for what is easily one of college basketball’s top matchups so far this season against the Purdue Boilermakers.
This is also Alabama’s first Top 25 matchup of the season so far, and will be a test for the Crimson Tide, who are set to play multiple ranked teams over the next couple of weeks.
As for Purdue, let’s take a look at a few things you need to know about the Boilermakers entering Friday night’s contest:
Purdue Boilermakers Team Overview
- Team Overview: Purdue Boilermakers
- Conference: Big Ten
- Arena: Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, Indiana
- 2024-25 Record: 3-0 overall
- Ranking: No. 13 in AP Poll, No. 12 in Coaches Poll
The Purdue Boilermakers, similar to Alabama, made a Final Four appearance last season, and are currently off to an undefeated 3-0 overall start to the year. Purdue is also considered among the top teams in the Big Ten this year, and are currently ranked at No. 13 in the latest AP Poll, as well as No. 12 in the Coaches Poll.
Purdue Boilermakers Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Matt Painter
- Assistant Coach: Brandon Brantley
- Assistant Coach: Terry Johnson
- Assistant Coach: Paul Lusk
Purdue is led by one of the college basketball’s most accomplished coaches in Matt Painter, who has made 15 NCAA Tournament appearances since taking over the Boilermakers program back in 2005-06. The Boilermakers also have three veteran assistants coaches in Brantley, Johnson, and Lusk, each of which have been at Purdue for multiple seasons.
Purdue Boilermakers 2024-25 Stats
- PPG: 84.7 (No. 99 in NCAA)
- PPG Allowed: 69 (No. 165 in NCAA)
- FG%: 54.4
- 3P%: 43.7
- FT%: 69.9
- RPG: 34.3
- APG: 20
- SPG: 6.3
- BPG: 3
Stats-wise, Purdue is averaging 84.7 PPG for the season, while also giving up 69 PPG to opponents. The Boilermakers also rank Top 20 with both a 54.4% field goal percentage, as well as in three-point percentage at 43.7%.
Purdue Boilermakers Names to Know
- Braden Smith, Guard – Junior
- Fletcher Loyer, Guard – Guard
- Trey Kaufman-Renn, Forward – Junior
- Myles Colvin, Guard – Sophomore
- Daniel Jacobsen, Center – Freshman
In conclusion, the Boilermakers are led by a trio of double-digit scorers in Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith, and Trey Kaufman-Renn, each of which are averaging 15+ PPG so far this season. Of that trio, Smith is one of the top guards in all of college basketball, and is currently averaging 15 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and a Big Ten leading 9.3 APG, while also shooting 44.4% from three, as well as 90% at the free-throw line.