Sports News Report
League: NBASport: College SportsCountry: FranceCategory: Scores & Results

Purdue coach Matt Painter discusses team's future without key players

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 9:46 PM

Last updated Aug 20, 2026

Purdue coach Matt Painter discusses team's future without key players
Summary

Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter confirmed that Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and Trey Kaufman-Renn will not return for the 2026-27 season. Despite potential eligibility options due to recent NCAA changes, Painter stated his preference is to not take them back, emphasizing a new direction for the team. Smith has moved on to the Indiana Pacers, while Loyer joins the Los Angeles Clippers, and Kaufman-Renn was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Painter expressed confidence in his current roster's physicality and depth, particularly within the backcourt, as the team looks to compete with rivals like Michigan and Illinois.

Source Links
Yahoo Sports
Status Watch
  • •Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and Trey Kaufman-Renn are departing Purdue.
  • •Painter supports their pursuit of eligibility elsewhere but not at Purdue.
  • •Purdue aims to compete at a high level in the Big Ten.
  • •The team features returning players like C.J. Cox and Gicarri Harris.
  • •Enzo Shahrvin is expected to boost the team's rebounding efforts.
Latest Updates
  • 9:46 PMYahoo Sports — Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter wouldn't want Smith, Loyer, Kaufman-Renn back
What they're saying
"

Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter discusses past great Boilers and the strengths and weaknesses of his 2026-27 team.

Related Teams & Leagues
NBACollege Sports

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days