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Purdue Basketball: Top 10 Players To Play For Matt Painter

By Tristan Freeman

BLOOMINGTON, IN - JANUARY 28: Head coach Matt Painter of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts in the first half of a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Assembly Hall on January 28, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. Purdue won 74-67. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - JANUARY 28: Head coach Matt Painter of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts in the first half of a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Assembly Hall on January 28, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana. Purdue won 74-67. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Vincent Edwards
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Vincent Edwards /

8. Darren Brooks – Southern Illinois Salukis (2002-2005)

Career stats: 13.3 ppg 5.1 rpg 3.1 apg

The lone non-Boilermaker on the list, Brooks was the star of Painter’s Southern Illinois team in 2004 that made the NCAA Tournament. As a junior, he had his best season under Painter, averaging 16.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, and 2.0 spg in route to winning the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year.

Although he’s just eighth on the list, Brooks could arguably be the most impactful player named. Because without him, the Salukis wouldn’t have been as good, which means that Purdue would’ve gone another route to find a head coach.

7. Vince Edwards – Purdue Boilermakers (2015-2018)

Career stats: 11.9 ppg 5.6 rpg 2.9 apg

Predominately a starter all four seasons, Edwards was a solid big man for Purdue who quietly was one of the team’s best passers as well. Like many guys on this list, Edwards saved his best for last, averaging 14.6 ppg and 7.4 rpg his senior season.

Although he’s been a role player for the most part, Edwards had several occasions where he took the lead. The senior had six games of at least 20 points, including a career-high 30 points to beat Michigan in January. There may have been more talented bigs surrounding him, but Painter trusted Edwards the most, which made him a valuable asset over the past four seasons.

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