NCAA Basketball: Analyzing finalists for top-60 forward Trey Kaufman
Purdue Boilermakers
There’s an underrated history of Purdue Head Coach Matt Painter developing big men in recent years, including Vince Edwards, Issac Haas, Caleb Swanigan, and Robbie Hummel. The Boilermakers have a strong defensive system as well, which would help make Kaufman an all-around player and more appealing for NBA teams.
With Trevion Williams and Aaron Wheeler set to be seniors by the time Kaufman would arrive, he wouldn’t have to wait long before becoming a starter and key piece. He’d be joining another in-state power forward prospect in Caleb Furst, ranked in the top-40 overall. It would be tough seeing them both play on the court together since neither are true “centers”. That could be a real issue in order to seal his commitment.
Virginia Cavaliers
With frontcourt players Sam Hauser and Jay Huff both set to graduate after next season, the Cavaliers will be in need of replacements, particularly from a scoring perspective. Kaufman has good defensive instincts and motor but the system will always be an adjustment for any player no matter how good they are.
Technically, Virginia is still the reigning national champions and under head coach Tony Bennett has sent multiple players to the NBA, including top-5 draft pick DeAndre Hunter. Add playing for the ACC to top it all off, and you have a program that could lure Kaufman outside the state of Indiana.
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It’s hard to envision a scenario where Trey Kaufman doesn’t play for either Indiana or Purdue but just like the annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge, don’t discount either UVA or UNC to win a surprise commitment. No disrespect to the Sycamores but this likely will come down to one of those four programs.