Last season, Purdue Basketball finished with 24 wins and earned a 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, making it to the Sweet 16. A big reason for their high seed was the big wins in the non-conference schedule, beating the likes of Ole Miss and Alabama.
With stars Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn returning, the Boilermakers could be the team to beat next season. And their non-conference schedule shows it, including some marquee battles to watch. Here’s a look at the top 5 non-con opponents for next season for Purdue.
5. Akron Zips
Akron lost just one game in all of MAC play last season and is a perennial mid-major powerhouse. They did lose MAC Player of the Year guard Nate Johnson, but all-league guard Tavari Johnson (13 ppg and 3.8 apg) is back. Plus, freshman ball-handler Sharron Young is expected to have a breakout role in Nate’s place in the backcourt. If frontcourt transfers Evan Mahaffey (Ohio State) and Chabi Barre (Duquesne) can have an impact inside, the Zips will be a favorite once again.
4. Marquette Golden Eagles
All-American guard and leading scorer Kam Jones is gone, but the Eagles do bring back a pair of key starters in Chase Ross and Ben Gold. The program didn’t go into the transfer portal, but Coach Shaka Smart will find someone to become an all-league guard. Look for the returning bench pieces to break out and have Marquette be another top-25 caliber team once again.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
The news that freshman guard Labaron Philon is coming back for another year is huge for the program. Guards Houston Mallette and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. are back from injury, while Patriot League Player of the Year big man Noah Williamson will anchor the team at center. The Tide should remain highly potent, but there are some questions on the defensive end.
2. Auburn Tigers
Auburn also brought back its star freshman in Tahaad Pettiford, set to be the lead guard for next season. All-American Johni Broome is gone, but the new-look frontcourt for the team includes transfers Keyshawn Hall, Kyshawn Murphy, and D-II star transfer forward Elijah Freeman. Look for the Tigers to be a Final Four contender again next season.
1. Iowa State Cyclones
The losses of star guards Keshon Gilbert and Curtis Jones were hits, but the Cyclones return other important pieces, including starting point guard Tamin Lipsey. Forwards Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic are back as well, while incoming transfers Dominick Nelson and Mason Williams will complete the depth. Iowa State should remain top-tier on the defensive end and has one of the best ball-handlers in college basketball, setting up a nice future matchup between Lipsey and Braden Smith in the non-conference.