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Could Purdue be headed to a National Championship?

By Jahlynn Hancock

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 20: Jaden Ivey #23 and Trevion Williams #50 of the Purdue Boilermakers react after a 3-point basket during the second half against the Texas Longhorns in the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Fiserv Forum on March 20, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 20: Jaden Ivey #23 and Trevion Williams #50 of the Purdue Boilermakers react after a 3-point basket during the second half against the Texas Longhorns in the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Fiserv Forum on March 20, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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They’ve managed to fight their way to the Sweet 16, beating top seeds and shaking off stubborn teams as they continue the race to the Final Four. Does Purdue have a shot at a National Championship?

Purdue has increased their odds of making it to the Final Four and possibly winning it all after knocking out their toughest components over the course of three days. This would be the sixth time under head coach, Matt Painter that Purdue has made it to the Sweet 16. Painter has passed, Gene Keady in this category as the legendary Purdue coach only made it through to the Sweet 16 five times.

But what does this mean for Purdue as a team? What makes them worthy National Championship contenders?

Painter’s precise style and play tactics, and the DNA of this team, could work together to secure a National Championship title. The season started with 358 Division I teams, now with 342 eliminated, the odds are in the Boilermakers’ favor with top seeds knocked out of the tournament.

With help with a few broken brackets and Baylor and Kentucky watching the tournament from their living rooms, Purdue has a huge advantage as they try to advance to the Final Four. Purdue has never beaten a No. 1 seed and has only beaten a No. 2 seed twice in program history. Purdue is now the highest-ranked team remaining in their region and with Gonzaga out, no No. 1 seeds remain in their side of the bracket.

Matt Painter at the helm

Painter is the foundation of the program and he has proven he had a deep playbook and is excellent at scouting his opponents and making adjustments. The advantage that Purdue has with Painter is a coach that he looks for the perfect play every time and that complexity can work to Purdue’s advantage.

His tactical strengths have given Purdue balance and they were strong on defense, as well as boasting the most efficient offense during the regular season. That helped Purdue climb to No. 1 in December on both AP and Coach’s Polls for the first time in program history.

Purdue plays as a team

The depth Purdue is carrying showed up during the Texas game and it could all be revolving around their trailblazing star. Jaden Ivey sunk a 3-pointer to help close the game and no opponent has been able to keep him out of the lane. The build of the team is more than one star player though, they have a size advantage against most opponents and their balanced offense can beat a defense in many ways.

Purdue has never won a national championship and is waiting to fill the holes in the trophy case next to 24 Big Ten regular-season titles. This team, this season is different. They are highly ranked. They have won the last 31 games they’ve led at halftime, continuing a streak from last season.

Purdue has a clear shot at winning the National Championship. Only three wins away, with the encouragement from Matt Painter and the consistent grind from the team as a whole, Purdue could be taking home their first NCAA national championship trophy.