15. Purdue (8-3)
Most people should have already known that Matt Painter was going to build a successful team even after the great players that have departed from Purdue in recent years. That big win over Alabama wasn’t shocking, but it helped put the Boilermakers back in this position with national attention. We’re not sure yet what to think of this team, especially with that misstep against Penn State, but this is certainly a team worth watching.
Despite trailing at the half, the Boilermakers fought back for an 83-78 win over Maryland back on Sunday, securing their first Big Ten victory of the season. Braden Smith had 24 points and 10 assists while Trey Kaufman-Renn added 21 points and 8 rebounds. Those two continue to star for Purdue, but their efforts weren’t enough Saturday. The Boilermakers fell 70-66 at the Indy Classic against Texas A&M despite a 15-point, 6-rebound, 6-assists effort from Smith.
The resume includes a few nice wins but also three losses and a couple close calls. The Boilermakers have made great gains with their offense but is that defense going to get them in trouble? After all there’s no elite rim protector anymore, and the Big Ten looks pretty tight at the top. Before they can even entertain those thoughts, Purdue has their toughest matchup of the season against Auburn next weekend before the holidays.