Former Purdue basketball graduate assistants Carson Barrett and Isaiah Thompson have each found new homes on the sidelines of major programs, marking the latest chapter in a coaching carousel that has seen several of Painter’s former players and assistants move into leadership roles.
A Coaching Ripple Effect
Isaiah Thompson, who spent three seasons as a player at Purdue before concluding his college career at Florida Gulf Coast, will now serve as a player development and recruiting coordinator at Notre Dame. The move brings him back to the state where his brother, P.J. Thompson, holds the position of associate head coach for the Boilermakers, creating a familial link between the two schools.
Thompson’s transition follows a stint working alongside his brother at Purdue, where he contributed to the program’s recent successes, including a 30‑9 record in the 2025‑26 season and a Big Ten Tournament championship. His playing experience, which spanned 2019 to 2022 and included appearances in 28 games, gives him a player‑first perspective that he will bring to his new responsibilities.
Appalachian State Welcomes Barrett
Carson Barrett, a Purdue graduate who appeared in 28 games from 2020 to 2024 and was part of the Boilermakers’ run to the National Championship Game in 2024, has been appointed assistant coach at Appalachian State. Barrett’s tenure under Matt Painter gave him a deep understanding of the system, and his recent experience on the court equips him to mentor the next generation of Mountaineers.
Barrett’s move is part of a broader reshaping of Purdue’s support staff. The university also announced that Sterling Carter and Lance Jones will join the program as graduate assistants for the 2026‑27 season. Both former Boilermaker players, they bring fresh perspectives after brief but impactful stints under Painter; Carter’s season was cut short by injury, while Jones started as a guard on the Final Four squad.
Looking Back at a Historic Season
The Boilermakers concluded the 2025‑26 campaign with a 30‑9 record, captured the Big Ten Tournament title, and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. Those achievements underscored a period of sustained excellence that has now translated into a wave of staff changes across the conference.
With Barrett heading to North Carolina, Thompson moving to South Bend, and Carter and Jones preparing to return to West Lafayette, the ripple effects of Purdue’s recent success continue to shape the landscape of college basketball coaching.