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Purdue's Brandon Newman enters transfer portal

b8vTr9Hoby:Mike Carmin•04/05/23
Minnesota v Purdue
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - DECEMBER 04: Brandon Newman #5 of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts after a play in the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Mackey Arena on December 04, 2022 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

WEST LAFAYETTE –  Purdue’s first entry into the NCAA transfer portal isn’t surprising.

Brandon Newman announced his decision to explore transfer opportunities Wednesday afternoon after spending the last four seasons with the program. Newman just completed his junior year.

The Chicago native and Valparaiso graduate redshirted his first season but played the last three for coach Matt Painter. Newman endured an up-and-down career, moving in and out of the starting lineup since his redshirt freshman season.

The move was expected as Purdue has a logjam on the perimeter with freshman Myles Colvin and Camden Heide, who redshirted last season, challenging players on the current roster for playing time.

Newman found his stride late in the season, moving into the starting lineup during the last six games starting at Wisconsin in early March. The Boilermakers won five straight, including the Big Ten tournament title, with Newman as a starter before losing to FDU in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

He was more of a factor on the defensive end late in the season, and the commitment led to improved offensive production. Newman scored eight or more points in four of the last eight games, including two double-figure outings against Illinois and Ohio State.

His teammates respected his perseverance to stay connected to the program, despite the uneven minutes the last two seasons.

“I’ve learned so much from him, just how he’s been able to handle himself through the ups and downs. He’s been an unbelievable leader and person for us,” junior Ethan Morton said earlier this season about Newman. “We’re grateful to have him. For him to always make it about the team, it’s hard to do. I’m damn happy for him, and I just wanted to say that.”

The Boilermakers are waiting on big man Zach Edey to announce his decision on whether to return for his senior year or pursue a professional career. The National Player of the Year faces an April 23 deadline to declare for the NBA Draft but can withdraw by May 31 to retain eligibility. The NBA Draft Combine is May 15-21 in Chicago.

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