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With Purdue’s top four leading scorers moving on from last season, the Boilermakers need several players to step up and fill the void. Who are the most likely candidates to lead Matt Painter’s squad in the scoring column this season?
After watching Purdue play in three exhibition games, I’m going to take my best guess at the five players who will finish the year at the top of the scoring category for the Boilermakers. There are plenty of options, but these five guys stand out most.
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1. C.J. Cox, guard
Purdue Boilermakers guard C.J. Cox (0) shoots a three-pointer. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Cox is Purdue’s top returner from last season, averaging 8.5 points per game as a sophomore in the 2025-26 season. He is also the only returning starter from last year’s squad. Heading into his junior season, he’s the top candidate to be Purdue’s top scorer.
In Purdue’s three exhibition games, Cox was the only player to reach double figures in every contest and shot the ball at a 64.5% clip from the field and made 50% of his three-point attempts. When the Boilermakers got into situations late in the shot clock, the veteran guard was the one who could make plays.
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Now in a new role as a primary scoring threat, Cox isn’t just a catch-and-shoot threat. He’s can get to his mid-range, come off screens or even get to the rim. His consistency and shot-making ability makes him the best option to lead the Boilers in scoring.
2. Daniel Jacobsen, center
Purdue Boilermakers center Daniel Jacobsen (12) dunks the ball. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Jacobsen’s success as a scorer will be interesting to watch this season, because it’s not solely on his shoulders. Guards must get him the ball when he wins post position on the inside. That was a struggle in Purdue’s exhibition game against UConn, but it’s something that should improve over time.
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Last season, Jacobsen averaged 5.5 points per game off the bench for the Boilermakers. He didn’t show much explosiveness…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/predicting-purdue-basketballs-five-leading-214954270.html
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Publish date : 2026-10-30 21:49:00
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