2017 Purdue Basketball Recruiting: Nojel Eastern Signs with Purdue

Nojel Eastern

Evanston, IL

6’6”, 210 lbs.

4-star SG/SF, 78th ranked recruit by ESPN

As of a minute ago, Nojel Eastern announced in a press conference from his Evantston high school’s gym, he will be coming to West Lafayette to play for the Purdue Boilermakers. The 6’6” guard is a four star recruit, and the fourth member of Painter’s 2017 recruiting class.

It’s been a busy last week for Coach Matt Painter. He already had three 3 star players sign their letter of intent.

Aaron Wheeler - 3 star 6’7” small forward out of Conneticut - a prototypical wing with athletic upside.

Matt Haarms - 3 star 7’2” C/PF from the Netherlands - a skilled big man with enticing lateral quickness.

Eden Ewing - 3 star 6’9” small forward transfer from Tyler Junior college - again, a versatile wing with potential.

Coach Painter still has a scholarship or two to spend in the spring if he finds the right guy, but Eastern is a big win. He fits perfectly in with this class, a class that’s obviously valued length and athleticism. Carsen Edwards will spot up nicely next to Eastern as the back court of the future. Finally, Purdue will not only have the skill in Cline and Mathias, but the potential to run out guards that are just flat athletes, capable of destroying teams in transition and getting to the hoop in the half court.

The reason this class is pivotal though, might be that if Purdue finds success this year, they have three potential early exits to the NBA on their roster. There’s a probably chance Caleb Swanigan leaves after starting the year off with a tear. Vincent Edwards and Isaac Haas could be dark horses if they find continued success through the year and a deep run in the tournament.

This is a nice way to wrap up the fall signing semester. After CMP missed out on some of the drool-worthy top names, Eastern is a huge get. Purdue has been on a steady upswing the last few years with recruiting, and now, a loaded draft class comes in to help transition from the Haas-Edwards-Mathias-Thompson recruiting class that brought Purdue back to the tournament.

Eastern is a smooth, long left-handed guard that will add a scoring and play making punch that’s been missing in the back court in West Lafayette. He’s got a decent jumper, quick first step, and the ability to finish at the rim. He was offered by Depaul, Michigan State, and Ohio State. The rumor last night that the choice came down to Depaul and Purdue. This is obviously a huge get for the Boilermakers, adding yet another versatile player with play making ability and a whole lot of upside.