Purdue guards face expanded roles as 2026-27 practices begin
The short version
- Purdue opened official practice for 2026-27 on Sept. 22 under Matt Painter.
- CJ Cox is the top returning guard and is expected to lead and score at higher volume.
- Antoine West Jr. impressed on the summer Canada trip in a crowded backcourt.
- Freshmen Luke Ertel and Jacob Webber could factor into the rotation.
- Jack Benter shot 40% from three as a freshman but under 30% in Big Ten play.
With Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer gone, Purdue's backcourt questions center on CJ Cox, Antione West Jr. and a deep group of young guards.
Purdue held its first official practice for the 2026-27 season on September 22, beginning a new era after the departures of Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer. The program is coming off the winningest four-year stretch in its history under head coach Matt Painter.
Junior guard CJ Cox, listed at 6-foot-3, is the team's most experienced returning player. He became a starter midway through his true freshman season and has thrived as a lower-usage option. The coaching staff now wants him to serve as both leader and primary scorer, and how he handles the larger offensive load is seen as a key factor in the team's potential.
Redshirt freshman Antione West Jr. drew attention during Purdue's summer trip to western Canada, where he was among the most aggressive guards on the roster. Painter said earlier in the summer that West will be great, with the timing the only question. Playing time is crowded, with Cox and Omer Mayer the likely starting guards and Gicarri Harris, Luke Ertel, Jack Benter and freshman Jacob Webber also in the mix.
Ertel, a true freshman, arrives with strong high school credentials and a reputation as a shooter and defender who could see significant minutes. Webber, a 6-foot-6 freshman, is considered possibly the best shooter on the roster but is still adjusting to the college game physically.
Benter, a redshirt sophomore, made 40% of his threes as a freshman on 88 attempts, including a stretch of 10 straight makes, though he shot under 30% from three in conference play. His versatility, playmaking and charge-drawing have made him a flexible piece in Painter's rotation.