Purdue Basketball: Breaking down Boilermakers 2024-25 non-conference schedule

Zach Edey and the Purdue Boilermakers may not have gotten the fairytale ending they wanted in last year's National Championship, but it's hard to call the 2023-24 season anything but a resounding success. The Boilermakers would go 34-5 overall, dominate the Big Ten from start to finish, and deliver Matt Painter his first Final Four in nearly two decades with the program.

Most importantly, success when it matters most, in March, was a welcome change for the program. After years of March misfortunes, culminating in a shocking loss to 16th-seeded Farleigh Dickinson the spring previously, last season felt like Purdue had finally climbed the mountaintop in a way, even if they weren't able to win the big one.

But for the ever-hungry Boilermakers, it's full steam ahead for 2024-25. With Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and numerous other key pieces back in West Lafayette, it's not crazy to think Purdue will be right back in the National Title hunt once again.

In order to do just that, building a strong non-conference resume will be crucial. Seeding can make all the difference when it comes to the Big Dance, and the Boilermakers want to put themselves in position to control their own destiny at the right time. Playing a tougher non-conference could also give this team momentum once they hit their Big Ten schedule and being battle-tested in a competitive conference now comprised of 18 teams is never a bad thing. With the non-conference a nice mix of tough matchups and nice tune-up opportunities nestled in the friendly confines of Mackey Arena, Purdue has a chance to take advantage.