Four former Purdue basketball players, Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn, Fletcher Loyer, and Oscar Cluff, are eagerly anticipating the 2026 NBA Draft, commencing on Tuesday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The event will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN, with the first round starting at 8 p.m. ET. Purdue has a rich history in the draft, with 52 players selected overall, and the hope is to see at least one Boilermaker's name called this year, breaking a 12-year streak without two players drafted.

By the Numbers
  • Purdue has had 52 players selected in the NBA/ABA Draft, with Zach Edey being the most recent in 2024.
  • Purdue has not had two players drafted in the same year since 2011.
  • In the last nine drafts, Purdue has produced three first-round picks (Swanigan, Ivey, Edey), ranking tied for third in the Big Ten.
State of Play
  • Braden Smith could make history as the first player under 6-feet tall drafted since 2013.
  • Purdue has had five players ranked No. 75 or lower drafted since 2016.
What's Next

As the draft approaches, there are varying opinions on how many Purdue players might be selected. The spotlight will be particularly on Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, who are both under scrutiny regarding their draft potential and impact on the future of Purdue basketball in professional leagues.

Bottom Line

The excitement surrounding the 2026 NBA Draft highlights Purdue's ongoing legacy in producing NBA talent, with the expectation of at least one Boilermaker's name being called, potentially shifting the program's momentum back toward multiple draftees in the future.