News Summary
Purdue basketball recruits have excelled during the July evaluation period at events like the adidas championship and Nike Peach Jam. Key prospects, including Luke Ertel and Jacob Webber, showcased impressive skills, drawing attention from college coaches. Ertel’s strong performances helped his team reach finals, while Webber’s scoring prowess has made him a target for top programs. Purdue’s recruitment strategy appears focused on enhancing their backcourt with young talent.
Rock Hill, SC – During the ongoing July evaluation period, Purdue basketball recruits have notably excelled at key events including the adidas championship and the upcoming Nike Peach Jam. This assessment period is crucial for college coaches to scout potential talent, and Purdue’s recruitment efforts are making headlines as several prospects shine on the court.
One standout player is Luke Ertel, a Purdue recruit who has recently returned to form after resting a troublesome ankle injury in late June. At the adidas 3SSB Palmetto Road event held in Rock Hill, Ertel showcased his skills by averaging 19.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.4 rebounds across the tournament. His performance was instrumental in leading the Indiana Elite team to the finals for the second consecutive year.
On Saturday, Ertel demonstrated his versatility and endurance by playing all 64 possible minutes during two games. He finished the day with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists in a win against Team Loaded, followed by a solid performance that included 12 points and 10 assists in a challenging loss to Game Elite, a team featuring players who are potential draft picks. The Indiana Elite team faced difficulties as they were limited in ball-handlers due to Terrence Hayes suffering an ankle injury, placing additional pressure on Ertel as he took on the role of primary scorer and playmaker.
Another promising prospect from the class of 2026, Jacob Webber, delivered an impressive showing on Friday, scoring 35 points in one game and 30 points in another. Following his outstanding performance, he garnered attention from prominent programs, including Purdue, which is expected to reach out to him for a follow-up next week. At 6-foot-7, Webber is noted for being among the top shooters nationally for his class, drawing comparisons to former Purdue players like Ryan Cline and Sasha Stefanovic regarding shooting capabilities. Webber has unofficially visited Purdue and expressed his admiration for Coach Matt Painter and the program’s environment.
In addition to Purdue, Webber has received scholarship offers from Creighton, Washington, Nebraska, and Iowa. Another promising player in the same class, Colben Landrew, also shone brightly by scoring 24 points in a victory against Game Elite, catching the eye of numerous coaches, including those from the SEC.
Kevin Savage Jr., the point guard for Game Elite, is another Purdue target who contributed with 11 points and 6 assists. Purdue’s head coach Matt Painter was present at the event, scouting in-state forward Noah Smith, who demonstrated solid performance for Grand Park Premier.
Other notable recruits at the events include Jason Gardner Jr. and Cooper Zachary, who also impressed scouts from various major programs. In Augusta, Jaxson Davis and Isaiah Hill, both top Purdue recruiting targets for the 2027 class, presented strong performances. The Purdue staff is also closely monitoring Junior County, a highly-regarded four-star guard from Utah, who stated that he has developed a close relationship with Purdue’s coaching staff.
Additionally, Jamyn Sondrup, another recruit who is returning from an ankle injury, showed promising abilities and is expected to make a college decision after the evaluation period concludes. He has observed strong interest from multiple programs, further enhancing his recruitment profile.
Purdue’s recruitment strategy appears to emphasize strengthening its backcourt, with a focus on young talents, while Ertel remains a key commitment in their planning.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Purdue Scouts Emerging Basketball Talents During July Evaluations
Purdue Targets Shine During July Evaluation Period
Purdue Basketball Targets Shine on Adidas Circuit Opening Day
Purdue Basketball’s July Evaluation Period Kicks Off in Rock Hill
Additional Resources
- Purdue Recruit Luke Ertel’s Week in Rock Hill
- Wikipedia: College Basketball Recruiting
- Top 50 Guard Junior County Remains a Purdue Priority
- Google Search: Purdue Basketball Recruiting
- Purdue Recruiting Target Jamyn Sondrup May Decide Soon
- Google Scholar: Purdue Basketball
- Purdue Basketball Recruiting During the July Evaluation Period
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- June Evaluation Period Day 2 – Isaiah Hill and More
- Google News: Purdue Recruits
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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