Purdue University's women's basketball team has secured a verbal commitment from Kevin Savage Jr., a highly touted prospect ranked among the top recruits for the class of 2027. Coach Matt Painter announced the pledge, emphasizing that Savage's skill set aligns perfectly with the program's long‑term vision and competitive ethos.
The Boilermakers have also released a non‑conference schedule that features matchups against Florida State, Texas Tech, and Central Michigan. These games are designed to test the team early in the season and provide valuable experience before conference play begins.
International talent continues to enrich the roster. Katka Šedivá, the Slovak Basketball Talent of the Year, joined Purdue after a standout season in Europe, while Maya Zilbershlag, an incoming freshman from Israel, contributed points and rebounds for her national team in the FIBA U20 Women’s European Championships. Keona Douwstra, another newcomer from the Netherlands, helped her country capture the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series title, underscoring the program's global reach.
Summer Workouts and Team Chemistry
Coach Katie Gearlds will oversee a summer workout program that includes all 10 available scholarship players. New assistant Emily Ben‑Jumbo has praised the group's competitive spirit, noting that the chemistry formed during these sessions could prove decisive when the season tips off.
Zoja Stirn, who committed to Purdue in May, remains on the radar for the 2026‑27 season but is not yet listed on the official roster. Her potential addition adds another layer of depth to a squad already brimming with promise.
The decision by Maya Zilbershlag to join Purdue was heavily influenced by conversations with fellow Israelis Hila Karsh and Omer Mayer, who shared positive experiences about campus life, academic support, and the basketball environment. Their testimonies helped cement her choice and signal a growing pipeline of Israeli talent in West Lafayette.