2017 Purdue Basketball Recruiting: The Top Indiana Targets

About two weeks ago I took a look at the 2016 basketball targets (basically, any point guard at all). Now it is time to look at the 2017 targets. This is shaping up to be a much, much stronger class within the state of Indiana compared to 2016. Kris Wilkes, Paul Scruggs, Jaren Jackson, and Malik Williams are all top 50 players that are drawing a lot of interest. Purdue is going after all of them, and there should be room.

The news that Jacquil Taylor got his medical hardship waiver gives Purdue four freshmen for 2015-16 who will be juniors by the time the 2017 class comes along. Assuming the boilers take a full class of three players in 2016, there would be two scholarships left for 2017. If Caleb Swanigan goes pro at any time after his first two seasons there would be at least three. As always, if there is attrition by other means there will be more openings.

Kris Wilkes - Indianapolis, IN - Wilkes plays for Indianapolis power program North Central who is usually among the state's best. They have won at least 15 games per season since 2001 and have won state championships in 1999 and 2010 (the latter with Terone Johnson). Purdue has always had a pretty strong presence with this program that produces talent every year. Wilkes is a 6'7" small forward that is ranked 18^th nationally and, reportedly, he wants to study engineering.

The big four in state are all after him, while Kansas has also already offered. The Boilers will be fighting off everyone for Wilkes, but we have been there early.

Paul Scruggs - Southport, IN - Scruggs might be the jewel of the class in Indiana. He led a formerly moribund Southport team to the No. 1 ranking in the state for most of this past season, but the Cardinals lost in the sectional to Pike. Scruggs is a 6'3" versatile shooting guard that is currently 29^th nationally. His offer list should basically say, "The Big Ten".

Scruggs is a versatile guard and a true scorer, something Purdue currently lacks. This past season he averaged 17.3 points, 5.7 assists, and 7.3 rebounds while playing with Joey Brunk, who recently committed to Butler.

Jaren Jackson - Indianapolis, IN - If Purdue could get Scruggs and Wilkes, Jackson as a 6'8" power forward from Park Tudor would make for an excellent trio. Jackson is already No. 48 nationally and also has "The Big Ten" as interested parties.

Jackson is definitely a winner. He was part of Park Tudor's 2014 and 2015 state championship teams as they have now won four titles in five years. He averaged 9 points and 5.7 rebounds this past season and will have plenty of chances over the next two years to do even more. No school has ever won four straight state titles, but Park Tudor could even though they will now have to play up in class 3A. This si a team that rarely loses and already plays the top competition in Indiana. He has games against Scruggs and Wilkes both under his belt.

Malik Williams - Ft. Wayne, IN - Williams is a 6'10 power forward from Ft. Wayne Snider. He has been offered by Indiana for awhile, but the No. 47 player nationally helped Snider to an 18-5 record last season before they were upset in the sectional by Ft. Wayne Northrop. As we know, Purdue has had success in recruiting the Ft. Wayne area of late with Caleb Swanigan, Bryson Scott, and Rapheal Davis. Can coach Painter work is magic again?