Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter on Big Ten opener vs Rutgers
Hear what Matt Painter said as Purdue basketball travels to New Jersey for its first Big Ten game at Rutgers.
When Purdue basketball opens Big Ten play at Rutgers Tuesday, Dec. 2, the Boilermakers expect to be at full strength.
Liam Murphy, who hasn’t played since scoring 11 points in a Nov. 7 victory over Oakland, is expected to be available.
Murphy, a transfer senior forward from North Florida, suffered a shoulder injury on Nov. 15. He returned to practice on Nov. 26.
“He practiced the other day, so if he goes today, he’ll be able to play,” Purdue coach Matt Painter said prior to Monday’s practice.
Murphy’s minutes all came in the first two games for top-ranked Purdue while the Boilermakers were without starting 4 Trey Kaufman-Renn. Murphy was available, but did not play in a Nov. 13 victory at Alabama.
Murphy was brought to Purdue to provide depth at the 4 and add another outside shooting threat. At North Florida last season, Murphy shot 42.3% from 3-point range and made 104 treys. Nine of Murphy’s 10 field goal attempts this season have been 3-pointers, making four. His lone non 3-point attempt was a dunk against Oakland.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
