News Summary
During the July evaluation period in Rock Hill, S.C., multiple Purdue basketball recruiting targets made strong impressions on college coaches. Luke Ertel, a Purdue commitment, returned from injury to score 19 points, while standout performances included Bo Ogden, Arafan Diane, and promising 2027 prospects Jaxson Davis and Isaiah Hill. Purdue head coach Matt Painter and his staff are focusing on solidifying their recruiting strategy amidst this pivotal period for their future basketball rosters.
Rock Hill, S.C. — During the opening of the July evaluation period, multiple Purdue recruiting targets showcased their talent at a Wednesday event here, capturing the attention of college coaches who will officially be courtside starting Thursday. This recruitment season is vital for college programs as they assess potential recruits and build their future basketball rosters.
Purdue commitment Luke Ertel, fresh off an ankle injury that sidelined him for most of June, made a notable return by scoring 19 points in his July debut. Ertel displayed strong attacking ability in the paint, although he appeared a bit rusty with his three-point shooting. His performance set a positive tone for the Boilermakers as they continue to monitor incoming talent.
Purdue head coach Matt Painter is expected to begin the live recruiting period on Thursday in Richmond, Virginia, before moving to events in Augusta and eventually returning to Rock Hill. To maximize their outreach, Purdue assistant coaches will attend numerous showcases this week, including those hosted by Nike, adidas, and Under Armour in and around Atlanta.
Among the standout performances of the day, Bo Ogden, a wing target for 2026, scored 22 points in one game, while center Arafan Diane demonstrated his skills by notching 22 points and securing 13 rebounds in a victory that attracted attention from NBA scouts. Both Ogden and Diane are critical prospects in Purdue’s recruiting strategy.
In addition to Ogden and Diane, several 2027 prospects have emerged on Purdue’s radar. Notably, point guard target Jaxson Davis is scheduled for an early game at 8 a.m. in Augusta, followed by another 2027 target, Isaiah Hill, taking the court at 11 a.m. Davis’s and Hill’s performances are highly anticipated as Purdue continues to express interest in both players.
Another promising athlete, Kevin Savage, also a point guard from the 2027 class, made an impact by scoring 21 points on 14 shots with only one turnover during Game Elite’s win. His efficiency on the court adds to his appeal as a Purdue target. Additionally, Colben Landrew, a recent visitor to Purdue, contributed 18 points in that same game, further indicating the strength of candidates interested in joining the program.
Purdue’s recruitment extends beyond the United States, as their interest rises in Max Meyer, a Canadian 7-footer who recently returned from competing for Canada’s 19-and-under national team in Switzerland. Meyer’s international experience may provide him with valuable skills that can translate well to collegiate basketball.
Also highlighted during the showcases were players Jason Gardner Jr. and Cooper Zachary of Indiana Elite’s 16s team. Gardner scored 24 points, while Zachary, a target Purdue is actively recruiting, added 19 points and showcased shooting prowess with five made three-pointers. Their performances could strengthen Purdue’s prospects as they continue identifying key recruits.
One more noteworthy player is Jamyn Sondrup, who is recovering from a recent injury. Sondrup had previously averaged 21.2 points and 5.2 assists during his sophomore year and has been noted for his versatile inside-outside scoring capabilities. Purdue has expressed strong interest in him as he returns to form.
The ongoing recruitment activities are critical for Purdue, particularly as they evaluate emerging talents in the 2026 and 2027 classes. With numerous prospects lighting up the courts, the days ahead will be significant as Painter and his staff work to solidify their recruiting strategy moving forward.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Purdue Basketball Targets Shine on Adidas Circuit Opening Day
Purdue Basketball’s July Evaluation Period Kicks Off in Rock Hill
Additional Resources
- On3: July Evaluation Period – Day 0
- Google Search: Purdue Boilermakers basketball recruiting
- On3: Hot Buttons for Purdue Basketball Recruiting
- Wikipedia: Purdue Boilermakers
- Sports Illustrated: Husky Basketball Offers
- Google News: Purdue basketball recruits
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