Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter said about freshmen, transfers

The Boilermakers signed transfers Oscar Cluff and Liam Murphy, and freshmen Atione West Jr. and Omer Mayer.

There weren’t many holes to fill on a Purdue basketball roster returning a pair of All Americans, but coach Matt Painter sure is excited about who he signed.

A pair of freshmen guards and a pair of portal posts will add to a Boilermakers lineup that returns its big three of Braden Smith, likely preseason national player of the year, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer. Most of the supporting cast also returned after pushing national runner-up to the buzzer in the Sweet 16.

It’s in large part why many pundits picked Purdue to be among the nation’s best teams in way-too-early college basketball rankings. And, with the Final Four hosted in the Circle City, it will surely be a popular pick come March should things come together as has been customary under Painter.

A seemingly refreshed Painter sporting a Chicago Cubs t-shirt joined “The Sideline with Andy Katz” podcast to discuss a number of things. Here’s what Painter said about his new recruits.

What Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter said about Oscar Cluff

Cluff was the nation’s second-leading rebounder last season and has taken an unorthodox journey to the U.S. In his native Australia, he was going to be a boilermaker. Funny how things work out.

“He was a great rebounder,” Painter said. “… just his physical play, his ability to pass in the low post; we needed better rebounding. We think Daniel (Jacobsen) can help us in there. We think Oscar is probably more polished in that area. Daniel’s more polished in terms of rim protection, getting flip-up lobs and using his length right there. So we feel really good about that. … That for us was huge.”

Liam Murphy’s role for Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter

Murphy spent last season at North Florida, where he went on to make 104 3-pointers which tied for 18th most in Division I last season. He fills another need, Painter said.

“Losing Cam Heide, we felt like we had to get that face-up four also,” Painter said. “Cam really helped us in that area, stretching the defense, just like Mason Gillis did, and so that really kind of completes our front line and we feel good about that.”

Freshman Antione West Jr. brings versatility to Purdue basketball

West is a 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard who helped lead Toledo Whitmer to the Ohio state semifinals as a junior. He was rated three stars by On3’s industry rankings and No. 169 nationally.

“I mentioned Antione West before as a combo guard,” he said. “… who can score the basketball and is able to play either position.”

And here’s what Painter said in November when the Boilers announced his signing: “We are really excited to sign Antione to our squad for next season. He is going to be able to help us in a lot of different ways on both ends of the floor. He is a lead guard that can play both positions, but perhaps most importantly, he is just a player. He can score the basketball. He can catch and shoot, play off the dribble and has a very good pull-up game. I’ve always liked guards like him that can draw a lot of attention like he does. He has a good skill level, good speed and athleticism and loves to compete and battle. I am just really looking forward to coaching him.”

What Israeli guard Omer Mayer brings to Purdue basketball

Mayer will be the first Boilermaker to wear No. 47, and the 6-4, 215-pound guard brings professional experience after playing alongside Trevion Williams with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

“We think he’s going to be a fantastic player for us,” Painter said. “He can play either position, very good with the basketball, good decision-maker, plays at an elite level in the EuroLeague … so we’re very excited about him.”

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