Matt Painter, head coach of Purdue University’s men’s basketball team, has been honored with two prestigious awards that recognize his exceptional leadership and contributions to college basketball. In 2024, he received the Order of the Griffin, Purdue’s highest honor for faculty and staff, and in 2025, he was named a recipient of the NABC Guardians of the Game Award.
Order of the Griffin (2024)
In August 2024, Purdue President Mung Chiang presented Matt Painter with the Order of the Griffin, the university’s most distinguished award for employees. This accolade acknowledges individuals whose service has significantly benefited Purdue. Painter earned this recognition following a remarkable season where he led the Boilermakers to a 34-5 record, a Big Ten regular-season title, and their first NCAA National Championship appearance in 55 years. Under his guidance, Purdue also achieved a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year. President Chiang commended Painter for building a program that exemplifies Purdue’s values of integrity, humility, sportsmanship, grit, and excellence in both academics and athletics.
NABC Guardians of the Game Award (2025)
In March 2025, Matt Painter was honored with the NABC Guardians of the Game Award for Advocacy. This award is presented by the National Association of Basketball Coaches to individuals who embody the core values of leadership, service, education, advocacy, and inclusion in the sport. Painter was recognized for his significant impact off the court, including his service on the NABC Board of Directors and his recent term on the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee. These roles have allowed him to influence legislative and growth strategies for college basketball. NABC Executive Director Craig Robinson praised Painter for living out the organization’s core values and serving as a role model for the profession.
Legacy and Impact
Entering his 21st season as head coach at Purdue, Matt Painter has established himself as one of the most accomplished and respected figures in college basketball. With 493 career wins, including 468 at Purdue, he ranks among the top coaches in the nation. His tenure has been marked by consistent success, including multiple Big Ten championships and numerous NCAA Tournament appearances. Beyond his on-court achievements, Painter’s commitment to academic excellence is evident, with his players consistently earning Academic All-Big Ten honors. His leadership continues to inspire both his team and the broader basketball community.
These recent accolades—the Order of the Griffin and the NABC Guardians of the Game Award—underscore Matt Painter’s profound impact on Purdue University and the sport of college basketball. Through his dedication to excellence, integrity, and service, he has set a standard for Write 500 words Purdue’s Matt Painter has been honored with Purdue University’s highest award, the Order of Griffin, in recognition of his transformational impact on college basketball. He has also been named a Guardian of the Game by the NABC. Painter has been honored with Purdue University’s highest award for the first time in 2024, according to Purdue Sports, and was named the NABC Guardian of the Game Award winner in 2025.
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