P.J. Thompson

A familiar face in the Purdue Basketball family enters his third season on the coaching staff as P.J. Thompson serves as an assistant coach. Running the keys to the high-powered Boilermaker offense as the nation’s youngest offensive coordinator, Thompson was a key factor in Purdue’s offensive resurgence, reaching the National Championship game. Thompson’s offense averaged 82.3 points per game, Purdue’s highest average in 26 years. The Boilermakers ranked fourth nationally in offensive efficiency, second nationally in 3-point percentage and 15th in scoring offense, while setting school records in points scored, assists and assist / turnover ratio. Purdue had four players with at least 50 made 3-pointers for the second time in school history (2017-18), and tied for the most in the country. Thompson was also instrumental in the continued development of Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer. Smith set a Big Ten record with 292 assists while being named a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, while Loyer increased his 3-point percentage almost 100 points to become one of the nation’s top shooters. Two years ago, Thompson was instrumental in the development of freshman guards Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer, a pair that helped Purdue to a 29-6 overall record, the Big Ten regular-season and tournament championship, a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and a No. 1 national ranking for the second straight year. Smith was named to the Big Ten’s All-Freshman Team, while Loyer won three Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. During Thompson’s first year at Purdue, the Boilermakers reached the No. 1 ranking for the first time in school history, posted a 29-8 overall record and reached the Sweet 16 for the fourth time in the last five tournaments. Thompson’s was critical in the development of sophomores Jaden Ivey and Zach Edey as both were named all-Big Ten and received All-American mentions. Ivey was selected No. 5 in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, while Edey will return for his junior season as a preseason national Player of the Year candidate. Thompson has also provided much leadership to Purdue’s bevy of young, talented guards, providing help and guidance during 1-on-1 workouts and film sessions. He also serves as a point person for on-campus recruiting efforts. Thompson was instrumental in the development of Purdue’s young guards two years ago, serving as a mentor to Jaden Ivey, Brandon Newman, Sasha Stefanovic, Eric Hunter Jr., Ethan Morton and Isaiah Thompson. Last season, the Boilermakers posted an 18-10 overall record with a 13-6 Big Ten record while earning a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament, thanks to strong play from its young backcourt. Thompson’s roles include individual instruction, opponent breakdown and tendacies and team assignments aided to further individual player development. Following an outstanding Purdue career, P.J. Thompson returned to the Boilermaker as a graduate assistant after playing professionally in Netherlands during the 2018-19 season. He was a three-year starter at Purdue and currently ranks second in career assist / turnover ratio (2.94), is 10th in career 3-point percentage (.404) and 15th in career 3-pointers made (161) at Purdue. He appeared in 137 games, the eighth most in school history and helped Purdue to a 104-37 record and the 2017 Big Ten Championship during his time with the Boilermakers.