Purdue Basketball: Meet The Newcomers Debuting On The Boilers Foreign Tour
Purdue Basketball: Meet The Newcomers Debuting On The Boilers Foreign Tour
Purdue basketball offers a first look at its 2023-2024 newcomers when the Boilers embark on a four-game tour of Europe in August.
A season of redemption awaits Purdue basketball when the 2023-2024 campaign tips off this November.
A veteran lineup that includes returning National Player of the Year Zach Edey is at the forefront of the Boilers' pursuit of another Big Ten championship and a more fitting result in the NCAA Tournament.
National Player of the Year Zach Edey of @BoilerBall on having the an all-around season comparable to @CAABasketball legend @DavidtheAdmiral in '86:
— FloHoops (@FloHoops) April 1, 2023
"He did everything you could. He won MVP, he won the Finals, so to be compared to him? It's an honor." pic.twitter.com/zqIcC9zpI7
However, newcomers should factor into Purdue's Final Four plans. A number of new Boilers get their first taste of competition in black and gold when Purdue visits Germany, Austria, Italy and Slovakia for four games from Aug. 7-18.
Get a sneak peek at the new Boilermakers before they debut on the foreign tour.
Will Berg
The 7-foot-2 Swedish import Will Berg promises to continue Purdue's longstanding tradition of rangy big men protecting the paint.
Berg is a redshirt freshman, as he was part of the roster a season ago but did not play.
Berg boasts international experience, having represented his home nation of Sweden at both the U16 and U18 levels.
His size could allow Matt Painter to spell the outstanding Edey for stretches, with Purdue sacrificing none of the reigning National Player of the Year's rim-protecting presence on defense.
Myles Colvin
Representing the rich Indiana high school hoops scene, Myles Colvin arrives as the mantlepiece of Purdue's 2023 recruiting class.
The 6-foot-6 swingman ranked near the top 50 nationally for all 2023 signees, garnering 4-star distinction from 247Sports.com.
The Indianapolis native's athleticism and outside touch offer the Boilermakers an invaluable asset on the perimeter - arguably a key piece missing a season ago.
His introduction promises to be one of, if not the main, storyline from the foreign tour.
Josh Furst
Preferred walk-on Josh Furst teams up with his brother, Caleb Furst, who started 21 games for the Boilers a season ago.
Josh Furst may be a walk-on, but don't be surprised to see him earn minutes.
He was a standout at Fort Wayne-based Blackhawk Christian, averaging north of 18 points per game a season ago.
BC went 27-3 en route to the Indiana State 2A championship, with Furst setting the tone.
Camden Heide
A 2022 4-star prospect, forward Camden Heide sustained a serious foot injury as a high school senior that prevented his debut with the Boilermakers last season.
Heide's leaping ability, combined with a nose for physicality in the paint, give him attributes to move to the 4 if need be, but he can also operate from the perimeter.
The foreign tour will be a fascinating introduction to his skill set at the college level after a year on the sideline.
Lance Jones
Outstanding combo-guard Lance Jones joins the Purdue roster poised to make an immediate impact.
The Southern Illinois transfer was an All-Missouri Valley honoree for his dynamic scoring and tenacious defense.
Jones' ability to pressure ball-handlers and interfere with passes should fit seamlessly into the Boilers' defensive strategy, adding an additional layer for opposing offenses to contend with.
Jace Rayl
Although the 6-foot, 170-pound walk-on from Kokomo, Indiana, is the least likely newcomer to log significant minutes in the coming season, Jace Rayl brings one of the most interesting stories to the program.
Rayl is the grandson of Jimmy Rayl, an Indiana hoops legend who earned All-American honors twice at IU, was the state's high school Mr. Basketball at Kokomo and played for the Pacers during the franchise's ABA days.