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Sport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Transactions

Matt Painter discusses Luke Ertel's guard potential for Purdue basketball

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 8:31 AM

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Matt Painter discusses Luke Ertel's guard potential for Purdue basketball
Summary

Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter praised freshman guard Luke Ertel, stating he shows traits similar to former players Carsen Edwards and Jaden Ivey, emphasizing his competitive nature. Ertel, named the 2026 Indiana Mr. Basketball, will need to adjust to a lead guard role for the Boilermakers. With several returning players in the backcourt, including C.J. Cox and Gicarri Harris, Ertel faces stiff competition as he transitions to college basketball. Painter stressed the importance of Ertel learning nuances of the game to maximize his impact.

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Key Details
  • •Luke Ertel is a 6-2 freshman guard from Mt. Vernon High School.
  • •Ertel must adapt to leading a team at the college level.
  • •Painter sees Ertel as more aggressive than a traditional point guard.
  • •Purdue's backcourt includes C.J. Cox, Gicarri Harris, and Omer Mayer.
Latest Updates
  • 8:31 AMYahoo Sports — Why Purdue's Painter sees Ertel as more Edwards/Ivey-type guard than Braden Smith
What they're saying
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Purdue's Matt Painter on whether freshman Luke Ertel is more like Braden Smith, Carsen Edwards or Jaden Ivey

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