Purdue Boilermakers opened their 2026 exhibition schedule with a decisive 102‑63 victory over Langara Select, marking the first competitive outing since the 2022 season and doing so without the trio of Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman‑Renn. The absence of the three stalwarts forced head coach Matt Painter to lean on a blend of returning veterans and fresh faces, setting the stage for a revealing look at depth and potential.
Early Highlights
CJ Cox embraced an off‑ball role, shooting 2‑3 from beyond the arc and demonstrating a willingness to move without the ball. Omar Mayer, meanwhile, carved out his own shot while also pulling down rebounds, underscoring his all‑court impact. Freshman Luke Ertel impressed with a composed performance that drew early comparisons to Smith, suggesting a smooth transition into the point‑guard spot.
Gicarri Harris added a spark, going 3‑6 from three‑point range and contributing rebounds and steals that hinted at a defensive upside. Antoine West was the offensive standout, scoring 21 points on 8‑11 shooting and hitting 5‑7 from three, a showing that reinforced his status as a reliable scorer.
Jack Benter looked solid but his minutes may shift as Caden Pierce works his way into the rotation. Pierce, in turn, proved his value with aggressive rebounding, tenacious defense, and the ability to run the floor, traits that could make him a linchpin in the frontcourt.
Jacob Webber, a 2026 recruit celebrated for his shooting, went 3‑5 from three, while Rivers Knight showed promise in limited minutes, indicating he may need more time to adapt to the pace. Daniel Jacobsen struggled on both ends, often lagging on block attempts, a reminder that not every roster spot will translate into immediate impact.
Raleigh Burgess appeared fully healed after two years of injury, moving fluidly and contributing positively on both ends. Sinan Huan, though still developing, displayed a timely block and solid screening, suggesting a gradual but steady growth curve.
What It Means for the Boilermakers
The exhibition performance was benchmarked against a 300+ Kenpom tier, placing Purdue in a competitive bracket that includes programs like Evansville and Eastern Illinois. While the sample size is small, the mix of shooting efficiency, rebounding, and emerging guard play offers a promising narrative for a team aiming to rebuild around new talent while preserving its traditional strengths.