No hiccups in the north
Purdue’s Boilers wrapped up their four-game Canadian tour with a dominant 97-62 victory over Fraser Valley, completing the trip with an unblemished 4-0 record. The only time the Boilers truly faced a challenge came in the second match of the series, but beyond that, they controlled the action from start to finish. The performance highlighted their readiness to shift focus toward the upcoming season, where they will enter without an All-American for the first time in four years.
Lineups in flux, roles emerging
Head Coach Matt Painter took full advantage of the Canadian trip to experiment with different lineups and identify combinations that could thrive together. With the roster in flux, Painter’s strategy was clear: find the right chemistry that will help the Boilers navigate a season where their rotation is expected to remain highly adaptable. While CJ Cox is likely to remain a steady presence for the Boilers, his role may evolve into a more central scoring position this season.
Other returning players such as Daniel Jacobsen, Gicarri Harris, Jack Benter, and Omar Mayer will need to earn their places through performance. Harris and Jacobsen, in particular, distinguished themselves in the final two games, solidifying their chances to secure positions in the starting five. Their consistency and ability to contribute under pressure have positioned them as key figures in the Boilers’ plans moving forward.
Caden Pierce also made an impression, gradually adapting to his new role following his transfer from Princeton. For the first time in over a year and a half, Pierce was able to play full-court games again. His confidence grew over the course of the trip, and in the final game, he contributed with 11 points, three rebounds, four assists, and three steals—showing signs that he can be a reliable contributor.
Webber emerges, others find their place
Freshman guard Jacob Webber was one of the most impressive performers on the trip, delivering what could be described as a breakout performance. Recognized as one of the top shooters in the 2026 class, Webber improved with each game, peaking in the final match with a display that left few in doubt about his potential. His playmaking, shooting, and overall composure signaled a bright future for the Boilers.
Antoine West and Luke Ertel also made their presence felt in distinct ways. West, the freshman guard, showed off immediate scoring ability, while also making a significant impact defensively. He tallied five steals across the trip and averaged six points and four assists per game. His ability to create turnovers and control the pace of the game will likely make him a key player for Purdue. Ertel, on the other hand, brought a different set of skills, excelling as a playmaker and deep shooter. In his best game of the tour, Ertel connected on 5-11 shots, added seven assists, and chipped in five rebounds and two steals.
However, not every player on the roster found success during the Canadian trip. Omar Mayer and sophomore big man Burgess struggled to make an impact. Mayer, who was previously thought to hold an advantage in the backcourt, appeared out of rhythm when asked to run the point. The team’s offense did not flow comfortably with him as the primary ball-handler, and it remains to be seen if he will be better suited playing off the ball in tandem with other guards like Ertel, Cox, or West.
Burgess, the nearly 7-foot sophomore, showed promise through his athleticism and relentless effort, but his development has yet to catch up to the level Purdue needs to rely on him regularly. He struggled with shot-making in the post and was unable to dominate smaller opponents. Meanwhile, his inability to hit three-pointers and his overall inconsistency suggest he still has a ways to go before he can contribute meaningfully at the college level.
The competition for the final guard spot is heating up, with West, Ertel, Mayer, and Cox all in contention. While Mayer was initially viewed as having a leg up, West and Ertel’s performances have complicated the decision for Coach Painter. The two younger guards have demonstrated the ability to bring something unique to the floor, making it difficult for the Boilers to exclude them from the rotation. As the season approaches, Purdue’s coaching staff will need to make tough choices to finalize the backcourt roster.