**OFFICE of the CEO Confirmed : 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒖𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓, 𝑹𝒐𝒃𝒃𝒊𝒆 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒍, 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒂𝒔 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 (𝑸𝑩)

**OFFICE of the CEO Confirmed : 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒖𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓, 𝑹𝒐𝒃𝒃𝒊𝒆 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒍, 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒂𝒔 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 (𝑸𝑩)ESPN Break the STORY

In an emotional and highly anticipated homecoming, former Purdue Boilermakers basketball star Robbie Hummel is officially returning to his alma mater—not as a player, but as a new *Assistant Coach (QB)*, a role redefined to emphasize quality and basketball intelligence on and off the court.

Announced today by the Office of the CEO and Purdue’s Athletic Department, Hummel’s return marks a full-circle moment in his basketball journey. Once the heart and soul of Purdue basketball in the late 2000s, Hummel is now set to bring his deep understanding of the game, media experience, and leadership back to West Lafayette.

“Robbie represents everything that Purdue basketball stands for—grit, intelligence, and resilience,” said Purdue Athletic Director Mike Bobinski. “He was a floor general as a player, and now he’ll be helping shape the next generation of Boilermaker leaders.”

Though the “QB” title is more symbolic than literal, it reflects Hummel’s cerebral approach to the game. Widely regarded as one of the smartest players of his era, Hummel’s court vision and leadership made him a standout at Purdue. Despite battling through two ACL injuries during his college career, he remained a cornerstone of Matt Painter’s program and helped guide Purdue to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.

After graduating, Hummel played professionally in Europe and briefly in the NBA before transitioning into a successful career as a broadcaster with ESPN and the Big Ten Network. Known for his sharp analysis and deep basketball knowledge, Hummel’s voice became a trusted one in college hoops circles.

Now, he brings that voice—and those insights—back to the locker room.

“I’m incredibly honored to return to Purdue,” Hummel said in a statement. “This place shaped who I am. I’ve had the privilege of playing and watching the game from many angles. Now, I get to give back and help players grow not just on the court, but as men.”

Coach Matt Painter welcomed the move enthusiastically, noting that Hummel’s passion and experience make him a natural mentor. “Having someone who’s worn the jersey, understands our culture, and sees the game at a high level is invaluable.”

Hummel will focus on player development, team strategy, and serving as a liaison between coaching staff and athletes—particularly in helping players navigate the mental side of competition. His new position also includes input on scouting and film study, areas where his analytical strengths will shine.

Across social media and the Purdue community, fans erupted in support of the news, many reminiscing on Hummel’s clutch performances, leadership, and perseverance.

As Purdue gears up for another high-stakes season, Hummel’s return injects a dose of familiarity and inspiration into the program. More than just a coach, he’s a symbol of Boilermaker pride—and now, a builder of its future.