What to Watch in Purdue Basketball’s First Exhibition Game vs. Ball State

The offseason is finally over. On Sunday, we’ll get our first glimpse of a new-look Purdue team, which hits Keady Court inside Mackey Arena to host Ball State in the first of three exhibition games. There are plenty of questions entering the 2026-27 campaign.

Not all of those questions will have answers after one exhibition contest, but Sunday’s game may provide us with at least an idea of what to expect this season. So, what are we watching when the Boilers are back in action this weekend?

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The starting lineup and rotations

Purdue Boilermakers guard Omer Mayer (17) celebrates a basket made by guard Jack Benter (14). | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Because Purdue loses four starters from last year’s team, there were plenty of spots open during the offseason. Curiosity is running rampant over which players earned a starting job during the offseason. Sunday’s game may not indicate a final decision on Matt Painter’s part, but it could give us an idea of who the Boilers are favoring at the beginning of the 2026-27 season.

Plenty of people will monitor which guys step on the floor first on Sunday against Ball State. What will also be of interest are the rotations that Painter uses throughout the game. Who plays well together? Are there specific lineups Purdue will use for specific defensive situations? How small are the Boilers comfortable playing at times?

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Sunday is just the first of three exhibition games, so expect there to be plenty of adjustments, rotations and lineups used throughout the day.

Changes in the offense

Purdue Boilermakers guard Gicarri Harris (24) goes to the basket. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Associate head coach P.J. Thompson does an excellent job scheming Purdue’s offense to play to its strengths. This won’t be a team that plays through the post as it did with Zach Edey and Trey Kaufman-Renn. Painter has indicated that this group can space the floor and the bigs are capable of hitting shots from around the perimeter.

Daniel…

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Publish date : 2026-10-16 12:15:00

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