When Bojan Jankovic arrived on the West Lafayette campus, he brought a philosophy that success is measured by how hard everyone works up a sweat. The veteran coach, who has spent more than two decades refining post play across Europe and Africa, quickly made his presence felt in Purdue’s gym.
A Fresh Start for a Sophomore Center
Avery Gordon entered her second year with the Boilermakers having logged just 27 appearances and an average of 8.6 minutes per game. Last season she shot 53.1% from the field but struggled with footwork, often fading away from the basket on her shots. Jankovic saw an opportunity to rebuild her foundation from the ground up.
The coach’s first priority was to tighten Gordon’s footwork and broaden her shooting range. By moving her farther from the rim, he hoped to coax a more versatile offensive weapon out of the sophomore. "We started from scratch," Jankovic explained, "working on the basics until they became second nature."
The drills were as much about physical conditioning as they were about skill. Gordon recalled how Jankovic would demonstrate each move on the court, then step back and let her and fellow assistant Anjela Minja try it herself. The positive feedback loop that emerged helped Gordon rebuild confidence that had been shaken by the physicality of college basketball.
Beyond the X's and O's, Jankovic emphasized a mindset of strength and self‑belief. "Confidence isn’t just a feeling; it’s a habit you build every practice," he said. That mantra resonated with Gordon, who now speaks of feeling "more prepared to take on a bigger role" as the team heads into the upcoming season.
The collaboration isn’t limited to Gordon alone. Katie Gearlds, the head coach, has praised Jankovic’s hands‑on style, noting that his European background adds a fresh tactical layer to the program. The coaching staff’s blend of experience and energy is already reshaping the team’s identity, promising a more dynamic presence in the paint.
As the Boilermakers gear up for competition, the partnership between Jankovic and Gordon stands as a microcosm of the broader transformation underway at Purdue. With a coach who measures success by sweat and a player eager to expand her game, the future looks sweaty, promising, and full of potential.