Purdue Basketball: 2017-18 grades for the Boilermakers

Dakota Mathias (A-) – 12.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists

Let’s get this out-of-the-way, trolls. I know Mathias shot horribly against Texas Tech, but the Boilers wouldn’t have reached the Sweet Sixteen without this beauty to seal the deal vs. Butler:

That shot was just a microcosm of Mathias’ illustrious career as a Boilermaker. He was clutch. When that ball went up, Purdue fans more often than not had a good feeling it was going in.

Mathias did just about everything you could ask of him in his four years in West Lafayette, but he was able to take that next step offensively this year, which was desperately needed after the loss of Caleb Swanigan. The senior upped his numbers to 12.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 steals with 47.2/46.6 shooting splits. Mathias’ phenomenal performance beyond the arc led the Big Ten and was good enough for sixth in the nation.

Becoming accustomed to all the big moments that he provided, it was disappointing to see Mathias’ collegiate career end on a bad shooting night in Boston, but that is not what Purdue basketball fans will remember him for.

He was an unheralded kid who burst onto the scene a few years back with his defense and his ability to take care of the basketball. He finished his career as one of the best shooters in the country and a member of a senior class that will never be forgotten.

Oh, and one more thing: The fact that this man never made an All-Big Ten team is preposterous. Get it together voters!