**ROSEMONT, Ill.** — At Big Ten Media Day in Rosemont, Purdue head coach **Matt Painter** again commanded the spotlight, holding court for nearly 30 minutes as the spotlight rotated around freshmen, roster construction, and expectations for the upcoming season. ([Gold and Black][1])
Dressed in his trademark blend of casual professionalism (though he did sport a “golden tie” as a sly nod to Purdue’s colors), Painter fielded questions with humor, candor, and coaching insight — comfortable in his role as a media veteran. ([Gold and Black][1]) He touched on a wide variety of topics, including rotations, recruiting conversations, strategic adjustments, and how the program plans to manage life in the modern college basketball landscape.
One of the more discussed subjects was **Trey Kaufman‑Renn**, who is coming off a season in which he often played a supplemental role behind star big man **Zach Edey**. Painter openly acknowledged that Edey’s presence limited Kaufman‑Renn’s opportunities, but expressed optimism about his growth now that that obstacle is lessened.
> “A lot of his adversity had to do with Zach… Trey Kaufman‑Renn didn’t play as much the year before. That’s Zach Edey … You guys do understand that, right?” Painter wryly asked the room. ([Gold and Black][1])
Painter also elaborated on his evolving philosophy when talking with recruits. In an era of inflated promises and players chasing “one-on-one” stardom, he admitted he’s aimed to be more realistic. He described probing recruits about their roles — even asking about their high school “seventh man” — to assess whether they’ll embrace role-playing or only want starring roles.
> “I don’t run any plays for our 7th man either,” Painter quipped. ([Gold and Black][1])
On the tactical front, Painter did not shy away from the idea of “small-ball” lineups this season. With perimeter defender **Camden Heide** capable of sliding to the 4 spot, he suggested the possibility of deploying more quick, smaller combinations — particularly in lineups where **Kaufman‑Renn** operates at the 5 slot.
> “It gives Cam on a bigger four in practice … but offensively it definitely gives an advantage … and it allows Trey to really use his quickness and scoring ability against a bigger five.” ([Gold and Black][1])
When it came to rotations, Painter reiterated that his core trio — Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and Trey Kaufman‑Renn — will carry much of the scoring burden. Around them, a mix of two to three role players will be tested, with dark‑horse wings **Myles Colvin** and **Cam Heide** among those candidates. ([Gold and Black][1])
Painter also touched on roster stability and the transfer portal — a challenge for nearly every program today. He noted that while Purdue has historically avoided heavy churn, keeping 13 players content is difficult, and that redshirting remains a tool to soften roster transitions. ([Gold and Black][1])
All in all, Painter’s presence at Media Day reinforced why he remains one of the more respected voices in Big Ten coaching. He balanced levity, transparency, and competitive seriousness — reminding everyone that Purdue expects to continue contending, even as the margins get finer in college basketball’s evolving landscape.