Purdue Basketball: Brandon Newman Impact

Last night Coach Painter got a big time verbal. Just weeks after missing out on Armaan Franklin to IU, we ended up getting the better guard. A certain player out of Valpo was also rated the 75th player in the nation, Robbie Hummel.

Newman, out of Valparaiso, is our 3rd in state commitment for the class of 2019.

He joins Isaiah Thompson out of Zionsville and Mason Gillis from New Castle. This gives Coach Painter his true shooter for the 2019 class. Years ago, after we struggled shooting, he vowed to get a shooter each class. So far, he has done what he promised.

So, what does this mean for Purdue basketball? It means we have a guy who will be an impact scorer from day one, just like Carsen Edwards was. Newman is not as explosive, but he is the ideal 3 and D type of guy. He will further his game and be able to get the rim.

Newman, a 6’4” guard, gives Coach Painter another top 100 recruit. That has a college ready body, now.

So, what is the impact?

The assumption is that Carsen Edwards will be going pro after this season. So, it is a fair assumption that Newman could be a player that will come in and start as a true freshman. Ryan Cline will also be gone, leaving the shooting guard/small forward position essentially down to Sasha or Newman, both great shooters.

In the end, I believe Newman will get the nod and his impact will be felt immediately as a freshman. Now, a lot can happen between now and then. But looking at his game as a whole right now, if he was on the roster today, he would contribute this winter for our Boilermakers.

Word on the street is Newman is as tough and competitive as they come. He will be scrappy as anyone else would be on the team and he is expected to be a great perimeter defender as well. Some people believe that he is just a 3 and D guy and he has taken offense to that, as he will continue to work on his all around game.

For now, this class sits at three. We have the room to take 5 in this class. A guy like Malik Hall would be a great finish to this class, making it one of Coach Painter’s best classes. Whatver happens, we just got a great player and I cannot wait to see him in the gold and black.