Last Updated 2 weeks by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WISH) — Purdue’s season came to an end on Friday, losing to Houston in the Sweet 16.
The offseason got started quickly, with three Boilermakers already entering the transfer portal (Brian Waddell on Saturday, Will Berg on Sunday, and Myles Colvin on Monday).
Purdue has also already secured a commitment from the transfer portal, adding Oscar Cluff from South Dakota State on Monday.
Painter said on Thursday before the Sweet 16 game that Purdue was going to get “a guy or two” in the transfer portal.
After the loss to Houston, Painter was specific about what he was emphasizing when looking to improve the team.
“We do need more physicality,” Painter said. “That’s what we need. And that’s not their fault. That’s my fault. We need to have a more physical team.”
Adding Cluff brings Purdue an elite rebounder. He was second in the country in rebounds per game and was first in the nation in defensive rebounding percentage.
That was something Purdue struggled with, as they were just average in defensive rebounding this season. The Boilermakers were also one of the worst defensive teams inside the arc, ranking 332nd in the country in two-point defense, allowing opponents to shoot 55.6% on two-point attempts.
Cluff, who is 6’11, was on the All-Defensive Team in the Summit League this season.
Painter also spoke more to his mindset when adding players to the program.
“Ultimately, we don’t need to go out and get a different player,” Painter said. “We just need to keep getting the same guys with the same character and the same makeup that we’ve been getting.”
He also emphasized putting the work in during the offseason.
“If you don’t like where you are, improve,” Painter said. “Get better. That’s the one thing we’ve tried to do with guys is dominate the summer. Dominate the fall. Get yourself in a better position than you are.”
Purdue has made the Sweet 16 in three of the last four seasons and has been a No. 4 seed or better in each of the last eight NCAA Tournaments.
Painter is confident the Boilermakers will continue their success next season.
“I know this, we’ll have a good team next year,” Painter said.
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