Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter identifies his team's biggest need

Coach Matt Painter has a clear of what Purdue basketball needs heading into next season: quickness.

"Somebody who can break somebody down and someone who can contain the dribble (of an opponent)," Painter told Andy Katz at the Final Four.

Painter recognizes Purdue's issues with smaller, pressing teams. The Boilermakers have lost to double-digit seeds in their past three NCAA tournament appearances, most infamously this year, when they became the second No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 16 in Fairleigh Dickinson.

"We're getting into the tournament and we're getting beat by the same team in almost the same game," Painter said.

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Purdue's primary issues in those games were poor outside shooting and turnovers: "Those two things together are going to get you beat."

Purdue has been a top-5 seed in each of its past seven tournament appearances, and it reached the second weekend when it was led by Carsen Edwards (2019) and Jaden Ivey ('22).

Painter would welcome a transfer reminiscent of those guys. David Jenkins Jr. has exhausted his eligibility, but the rest of the Purdue roster can return. As yet, no Boilers have entered the transfer portal. Purdue's returning guards are Ethan Morton, Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith.

The coach said he's excited about Cam Heide, who redshirted this season, and incoming freshman and Indiana All-Star Myles Colvin.

Purdue's front court, even if National Player of the Year Zach Edey turns pro, remains solid, the coach said. Mason Gillis, Caleb Furst and Trey Kaufman-Renn are eligible to return. Brandon Newman announced Wednesday he intends to transfer.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter identifies his team's weakness