News Summary
The July basketball evaluation period in Rock Hill, South Carolina, has begun, showcasing impressive performances from various recruits. Purdue’s commitment, Luke Ertel, contributed 19 points in his season debut, overcoming early-season rust. Notable performances included Bo Ogden and Arafan Diane, who both made headlines with their scoring prowess. Head coach Matt Painter is set to begin live evaluations, highlighting the significance of this period for college teams in assessing potential recruits to strengthen their programs.
Rock Hill, S.C. – Purdue Basketball’s July Evaluation Period Underway
The July basketball evaluation period kicked off in Rock Hill, South Carolina, with notable performances from various recruits during showcase and play-in games. College coaches, including those from Purdue, are restricted from being courtside until Thursday, but Purdue’s recruits showcased their talents on Wednesday.
Purdue commitment Luke Ertel had an impressive start to the month, scoring 19 points in his season debut, although he displayed some early-season rust in his three-point shooting. Ertel had been recovering from an ankle injury sustained during NBA Camp, making his performance a significant test after a brief hiatus.
Head coach Matt Painter is expected to begin live evaluations on Thursday, first visiting in-state forward Noah Smith before shifting his attention to events in Augusta and Rock Hill. Alongside Painter, Purdue’s assistant coaches plan to attend various Nike, adidas, and Under Armour events throughout the evaluation week.
Recruits Making Their Mark
During the events, several recruits left a lasting impression. Among them is Bo Ogden, a 2026 wing target, who scored a commanding 22 points in his only game on Wednesday. Additionally, Arafan Diane, a newly offered senior-to-be center, made headlines with a dynamic performance, posting 22 points and 13 rebounds in a victory for Iowa United over Phenom United. His performance has garnered attention from NBA scouts, highlighting his potential at the next level.
Other rising stars include Jason Gardner Jr. and Cooper Zachary, who led Indiana Elite’s 16s to an overtime victory against Garner Road, scoring 24 points and 19 points, respectively. Purdue has already extended an offer to Gardner for the 2027 class while showing substantial interest in Zachary, who showcased his shooting skills with five three-pointers during the game.
Global Talent and Future Prospects
Furthermore, Canadian recruit Max Meyer, a 7-foot center attending IMG Academy, has recently returned from playing in Switzerland. Despite holding offers from several programs, including Michigan State, Meyer has been less engaged in the recruiting process while overseas. His potential mirrors that of fellow Canadian and Purdue star Zach Edey.
Among underclassmen, Kevin Savage, a point guard target for the 2027 class, excelled in Game Elite’s win over Team Loaded, scoring 21 points with a remarkable one turnover. Recent Purdue visitor Colben Landrew also impressed, contributing 18 points in the same game.
Ongoing Recruitment Interests
The evaluation period has allowed Purdue coaches to closely monitor numerous recruits and targets. With various events lined up throughout the week, there will be additional opportunities for players to showcase their skills in hopes of securing offers or solidifying existing commitments.
The evaluation period is crucial for college teams like Purdue, allowing them to observe potential recruits firsthand and assess their fit for the program. As the week progresses, further highlights will emerge, showcasing the future stars of college basketball.
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Additional Resources
- On3: July Evaluation Period Day 0 – Purdue Basketball Recruits in Rock Hill
- On3: Hot Buttons – Purdue Basketball Recruiting During the July Evaluation Period
- InsideTheHall: Class of 2026 Big Man Arafan Diane Lands IU Basketball Scholarship Offer
- Sports Illustrated: Husky Basketball Offers Son of New York City Playground Legend
- Rivals: Purdue Offers Rising 2025 Power Forward Tre Singleton
- Google Search: Purdue basketball recruiting
- Wikipedia: Purdue Boilermakers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Purdue University
- Google News: Purdue basketball
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