This season, Purdue Men’s Basketball is poised to make waves, and the buzz is palpable. But here’s where it gets controversial: who will actually crack the starting lineup? With sky-high expectations and a roster brimming with talent, the pressure is on both players and coaches to deliver. Reaching the Final Four—or beyond—is no small feat, but Purdue’s lineup has the potential to make it happen. So, who will be the first five names called when the season tips off? Let’s dive into the predictions from our roundtable, where opinions vary wildly and the debate is anything but settled.
Ledman’s Take:
Three players are virtually guaranteed spots: Braden Smith, TKR, and Fletcher Loyer—barring any unforeseen injuries (fingers crossed). For the remaining guard position, I’m leaning toward CJ Cox, who showed significant growth last season, particularly in his shooting. The center spot, however, is a toss-up between Oscar Cluff and Daniel Jacobsen. Will Matt Painter stick with Cluff, who proved himself as a rebounder and interior defender, or will he opt for Jacobsen, the veteran with a knack for grabbing boards? Personally, I think Cluff gets the nod, but it’s far from a sure thing. And this is the part most people miss: Purdue’s success hinges on rebounding and defense, areas where Cluff excels.
Kyle’s Prediction:
1. Braden Smith
2. Omer Mayer
3. Fletcher Loyer
4. TKR
5. Oscar Cluff
Rebounding was a glaring weakness last season, but Cluff’s addition could be a game-changer. As one of the nation’s top rebounding big men, he’s almost certain to start—right? The core trio of Smith, TKR, and Loyer are locks, but Mayer’s talent might be too good to keep on the bench. He’s college-ready and could ease the burden on Smith as a secondary ball handler. Here’s the controversial part: CJ Cox didn’t do anything wrong, but Mayer’s pro potential might just edge him out.
Ryan’s Lineup:
Braden Smith
CJ Cox
Fletcher Loyer
Trey Kaufman-Renn
Oscar Cluff
Smith, Loyer, and Kaufman-Renn are no-brainers. Cluff’s experience gives him the edge over Jacobsen, who’s still easing back into action. Cox gets the starting nod in the backcourt, though he’ll likely be the first subbed out. But here’s the twist: this lineup could change mid-season. If Jacobsen or Mayer heats up, Painter might have no choice but to shake things up. Purdue’s depth is unprecedented, and managing minutes will be a challenge even for a coach of Painter’s caliber.
Drew’s Bold Prediction:
PG: Braden Smith (lock)
SG: Gicarri Harris
SF: Fletcher Loyer (lock)
PF: TKR (lock)
C: Oscar Cluff
Harris provides the perimeter defense that Smith and Loyer lack, making him a crucial piece. Cluff’s rebounding and toughness are exactly what Purdue needs to address last season’s weaknesses. Here’s where it gets interesting: this lineup is for opening night, not the season’s end. With so many options, players like Mayer or Jacobsen could easily force their way into the starting five.
Travis’s Insight:
The trio of Smith, Loyer, and TKR is a given—over 100 starts together is a rarity in today’s college basketball. Cluff likely gets the center spot, though Jacobsen’s health could be a factor. The real question is the three spot. Cox has the experience, but Mayer’s talent might be too good to ignore. Harris, Benter, and Murphy are all in the mix too. Here’s the kicker: Purdue’s depth is so absurd that even a 9-10 man rotation wouldn’t see a drop in quality. If the chemistry clicks, this team could be scarier than their Final Four run two years ago.
Final Thoughts:
Purdue’s starting lineup is a hotly debated topic, with no shortage of deserving candidates. But one thing’s clear: this team has the talent to go all the way. What do you think? Is Cluff the right choice at center, or should Painter give Jacobsen another shot? And who’s your pick for the final guard spot? Let us know in the comments—this discussion is far from over.
