2016 Purdue Basketball Recruiting: Conner TenHove

Saturday night I got to go to the famous Hoosier Gym in Knightstown to cover a couple of games. While I got to see Isaiah Thompson, the younger brother of P.J. Thompson, play again. His opposition was Valparaiso, a.k.a. Robbie Hummel High. They were led by 6'7" small forward Conner TenHove, whom I was surprised to see was getting some Purdue interest.

According to his Rivals profile he was getting looks from Michigan, Purdue, Northwestern, Notre Dame, and Xavier. That means there is a very good chance we will see him regardless. He does not have an offer from any of them yet, however. ESPN says he has an offer from Air Force.

If Purdue is still after him he had a very good game tonight. MaxPreps says he can shoot the three a little, but he did not have to against Valparaiso. I had him going 8 of 9 from the floor and 12 of 15 from the line for 28 points and 10 rebounds. 23 points came after halftime as Valparaiso won 87-68.

What's more important is how they won. Zionsville went to a press and that made for a wild third quarter where both teams scored 38 points apiece. It was nuts, but TenHove was essential in breaking the press and getting easy baskets at the back end. He was playing the five (he would be a three at best at the next level) and moved very well for a big man to get open against quicker players. He also did a very good job of finishing around the basket.

I would like to see how well he can shoot because he didn't really have many jumpers, but he was great at the line. Zionsville just did not have an answer for him at the basket and he rebounded well too.

I think Purdue has moved mostly towards 2017 for recruiting, especially since it will lose only one player after next season in Kendall Stephens, but TenHove could be a solid role player if he is offered. I finish with some more highlights from YouTube.