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Purdue Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Boilermakers

By Tristan Freeman

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 09: A general view of the Iowa Hawkeyes playing offense in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 9, 2011 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - JANUARY 09: A general view of the Iowa Hawkeyes playing offense in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 9, 2011 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images) /
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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – FEBRUARY 25: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers reaches for the ball to keep it in bounds during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Mackey Arena on February 25, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – FEBRUARY 25: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers reaches for the ball to keep it in bounds during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Mackey Arena on February 25, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Starters

PG – SO Nojel Eastern

The former top-75 prospect was a reserve as a freshman, chipping in a couple of points and rebounds a game in 12.6 mpg. With the seniors gone, the point guard will have a chance to run the offense himself. Eastern isn’t much of a shooter (under 50% from the free throw line as well) but at 6’6 and 220 pounds presents a unique matchup against other college point guards.

SG – JR Carsen Edwards

The lone returning starter from last year’s team, Edwards is coming off a breakout season where he averaged 18.5 ppg, earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors. This 6’1 guard may become the lead ball handler for Purdue this season but his 41% three-point shooting skills make him a better off-ball player.

SF – SR Ryan Cline

A bench player all three seasons with Purdue, Cline is set to play a much larger role his final year in college. The 6’5 wing is a quality shooter but rarely goes inside the arc. His defense is another strong suit, while Cline’s underrated passing ability will be important in case the other ball handlers struggle.

PF – JR Evan Boudreaux

After sitting out last season after transferring from Dartmouth, Boudreaux will have two seasons left as a grad transfer. In his first two seasons with the Big Green, Boudreaux averaged 17.6 ppg and 9.5 rpg on 44% field goal shooting, including 35% from deep. Based on the lost scoring production for the Boilermakers, the 6’8 forward may have to average similar numbers this season for the team to contend.

C – SO Matt Haarms

The heir apparent to Haas at the center position, the 7’2 big man is a clear upgrade on defense. Haarms averaged five blocks a game per 40 minutes, while his offense continues to progress. The Netherlands product will anchor Purdue’s defense while Boudreaux can provide the scoring.

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