Purdue Basketball: 2017-18 grades for the Boilermakers

P.J. Thompson (B) – 7.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists

Thompson will be missed in West Lafayette. His senior season closely mirrored the previous year in terms of production, but his percentages from three (44.1) and the field (46.0) rose considerably.

Thompson was never the “go-to-guy” in his four years at Purdue, but he was a consummate leader with a knack for hitting a big shot when it was needed. No matter how far away it was…

Thompson would sometimes be a non-factor on the floor, but more times than not, it was due to his size. He was mostly found around the arc, but when he did penetrate, he possessed a crafty floater or could squeeze a tight pass to the bigs.

The senior point guard did everything he could to make his teammates better, whether it was an extra pass, weaseling himself in for a much-needed rebound or when things weren’t going right, he was getting everyone on the floor focused on the next play. He was a vocal leader, one that his teammates and coaches couldn’t speak more highly of.

Thompson is a smart kid, who knows the game inside and out. Once he decides to call it quits, I wouldn’t be surprised see him follow another Purdue basketball great, Robbie Hummel, into the analyst chair. You heard it here first.