How this prized transfer is making mark on Purdue basketball team still growing

WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue men’s basketball will commence its March Madness campaign, but Caden Pierce ensured the squad was ready for the tournament by October. On most Sundays, a group of Boilermakers gathers at Pierce’s apartment, with Red Zone, Colts, and Bears streaming on the TV. Pierce, a former Princeton standout, is one of the most experienced players on the roster. Despite his age, he needed to figure out when and where to use his voice within the team.

Coach P.J. Thompson lauded Pierce as a “winner” who is a perfect fit for the Boilermakers. Pierce’s brother Alec, a wide receiver for the Colts, also plays a role in Pierce’s integration into the team. Pierce has shown his physical prowess by adding 10 pounds of muscle since his junior season at Princeton. Other players have noticed his speed and athleticism, with C.J. Cox and Daniel Jacobsen confirming his status as one of the fastest players on the team.

Pierce’s rebounding abilities are especially crucial for Purdue, as the loss of Oscar Cluff and Trey Kaufman-Renn left a significant hole in the team’s rebounding. Pierce’s willingness to box out and aggressive box-out skills were evident during his time at Princeton, where he ranked 16th nationally in defensive rebounding percentage. Pierce's rebounding prowess has attracted attention, with his coach, Greg, emphasizing the importance of learning to rebound from a young age.