Purdue’s men’s basketball program, under the guidance of Coach Matt Painter, continues to show major intent in building a strong 2028 recruiting class. The most recent addition to its recruiting board is 6-foot-10 center Erick Dampier Jr., who picked up an official offer from the Boilermakers on June 11, 2025 .
🏀 Player Profile: Erick Dampier Jr.
347-0Size & Position: Standing at 6’10” and weighing 230 pounds, Dampier Jr. plays both center and power forward positions for Madison‑Ridgeland Academy in Mississippi .
596-0High School Performance: As a freshman, he posted solid averages of 13.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game—highlighting his impact on both ends of the floor .
806-0International Experience: Dampier Jr. joined the USA U16 National Team at this year’s FIBA U16 World Cup, contributing 7.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks in six games, helping Team USA capture the gold with a 6–0 record What Makes Him Stand Out
1. Elite Size & Athleticism: Combining length and agility, Dampier Jr. is a natural around the rim, delivering consistent rim protection and finishing with ease
2. Versatile Skill Set: He shows early potential in ball-handling, a notable trait for a big man his size. His ability to navigate in the post with control and poise is promising.
3. Defensive Presence: With an average of two blocks per game in high school and additional defensive stats in international play, he brings significant value to paint protection and team defense.
4. High Basketball IQ: Exposure to the FIBA World Cup and recruiting buzz underline his competitive mentality and capacity to adapt to higher levels of playPurdue’s Recruitment Strategy
1085-4Painter and his staff have been busy in June, targeting top talent early in the 2028 class. Dampier Jr. joins other notable recruits like 7’2″ center Dylan Betts, combo guard Xavier Skipworth, and guard Noah Washington . Purdue’s approach is straightforward: secure size inside while diversifying talent across positions, positioning themselves for future roster needs.
The Dampier Legacy
2126-1Adding a compelling storyline to Purdue’s offers, Erick’s father—former NBA center Erick Dampier—enjoyed a distinguished 16‑year pro career. He was the No. 10 overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft and played for multiple franchises, averaging 7.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks over his career . Erick Jr.’s pedigree hints at a strong work ethic and basketball foundation.
Final Thoughts
Dampier Jr.’s offer marks another impressive milestone in Purdue’s early recruiting push for 2028. With his blend of size, athleticism, developing ball skills, and strong basketball lineage, he’s an exciting prospect to watch. Though still early in his development—most notably expanding his offensive game beyond the post—he offers Purdue the foundation to cultivate a dominant interior player.
If his progress continues as expected, Erick Dampier Jr. could emerge as a cornerstone piece in Purdue’s next era—a reflection of Painter’s long-term vision and emphasis on building inside-out.