3 things we learned about Purdue basketball in the Bahamas, and beyond

11 hours ago7 min read3 comments

Purdue men’s basketball didn’t just haul a trophy back from the Bahamas; they packed a swagger that could very well be their most valuable carry-on come March. The No.1 Boilermakers' dominant 86-56 throttling of No. 15 Texas Tech in the Baha Mar Championship final was a statement, the kind of performance that echoes beyond a resort ballroom and into the psyche of every potential NCAA tournament opponent.While the physical trophy finds its home in a crowded display case, the intangible confidence gained from such a comprehensive neutral-court dismantling is the real treasure, something they can stow away and unpack when the lights are brightest. Let’s break down the three biggest takeaways from their Bahamian blitz, starting with the guy who’s been a revelation on the glass.The transition for Oscar Cluff from South Dakota State to the Big Ten was one of the offseason's major plotlines, and so far, it’s been a seamless blockbuster. Coach Matt Painter targeted Cluff specifically to fix the rebounding woes that capped last season’s potential, and the big man is delivering in a massive way.Leading the nation in defensive rebounding percentage last season was no fluke; he’s woken up after the tournament sitting second nationally in *offensive* rebounding percentage at a staggering 25. 5%.Averaging 13. 3 rebounds per 30 minutes is almost identical to his South Dakota State output, proving his prowess isn’t just a mid-major mirage.But it’s not just the stats; it’s the demoralizing effect. As Painter noted after the Texas Tech game, when Cluff is snatching every board to start a half, it sucks the life out of the opposition.What’s perhaps been an even more pleasant surprise is the defensive disruption his length causes. With Daniel Jacobsen in foul trouble against Memphis, Cluff stepped up with three blocks, and his mere presence has been a consistent bother around the rim, adding a dimension beyond the rebounding he was specifically hired to provide.Then there’s the backcourt, where C. J.Cox is solidifying his role as the essential third guard. His performance was the engine behind the win over Memphis, where he sparked critical runs, and he carried that momentum directly into the championship game, exploding for 10 points in the first 12 minutes.While he didn't make the all-tournament team—a tough break on a squad with at least four legitimate candidates—his impact was undeniable. He played with a contagious, gritty determination, hounding opposing point guards on defense and making smooth, decisive plays on offense.His emergence is a luxury that makes an already potent offense terrifying. Consider that over the two games, Braden Smith averaged a relatively quiet 7.5 points on 6-of-21 shooting and Trey Kaufman-Renn was limited by foul trouble, yet Purdue still averaged a blistering 1. 28 points per possession.Painter and his staff, with assistant P. J.Thompson drawing up early actions to get Cox going, clearly recognize his value as a rhythm player who can lift the entire unit. Speaking of Kaufman-Renn’s foul trouble, it forced Jack Benter into the spotlight for extended minutes, and the redshirt freshman didn’t just hold his own; he thrived.Thrust into unfavorable physical matchups at the four-spot, Benter was a quiet maestro of efficiency. Over 31 minutes across the two games, he scored only six total points but posted a remarkable box plus-minus of plus-13 in *both* contests.He combined for nine rebounds, two assists, a steal, and, most impressively, zero turnovers. He even provided one of the weekend's viral highlights, finishing a break with a powerful slam off a behind-the-back dime from Braden Smith.As teammate Fletcher Loyer emphatically stated, Benter is a 'damn good player' whose comfort level, perhaps boosted by starting the season's first two games, allows him to overcome size disadvantages with sheer skill and basketball IQ. His performance wasn't just a fill-in job; it was a declaration of depth, proving that Purdue has reliable options far beyond its star-studded starting lineup, a factor that could make all the difference in a long tournament run.

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#Purdue Boilermakers

#college basketball

#Oscar Cluff

#C.J. Cox

#Jack Benter

#Baha Mar Championship

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