**Sunday News: Purdue Basketball Receives it’s first time Academic Achievement Award**

**Sunday News: Purdue Basketball Receives it’s first time Academic Achievement Award**

In a proud moment for Purdue University, the men’s basketball team has received the prestigious Academic Achievement Award, recognizing the program’s outstanding commitment to academic excellence. The announcement was made on Sunday by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC), which honored programs that have maintained a high cumulative team GPA and demonstrated success in balancing athletic and academic responsibilities.

This recognition comes as a testament to head coach Matt Painter’s long-standing emphasis on student-athlete development both on and off the court. Painter, now in his 20th season at the helm of Purdue Basketball, praised his players, staff, and academic advisors for creating a culture that prioritizes education alongside athletic success.

“We talk a lot about being successful people, not just successful players,” Painter said in a statement. “This award is a reflection of the hard work our student-athletes put into their studies every day. It’s about discipline, time management, and a commitment to doing things the right way.”

The award highlights Purdue’s cumulative team GPA exceeding the required threshold, and it also reflects the graduation success rate (GSR) and Academic Progress Rate (APR), both of which have remained consistently high for the Boilermakers in recent years.

Several players on the current roster are enrolled in rigorous majors, including engineering, business, and health sciences. For them, managing the demands of Big Ten basketball while maintaining academic standards is no small feat. Junior guard Ethan Morton, a team academic leader, credited the team’s support system: “Coach Painter always reminds us that school comes first. We have tutors, academic advisors, and teammates who push each other to stay on track.”

This recognition also plays a vital role in Purdue’s recruiting strategy. The Boilermakers often attract high-character athletes who are interested in both basketball success and long-term personal development. Parents and recruits take note of the program’s academic reputation, and awards like this help reinforce that image.

University President Mung Chiang congratulated the team, stating, “Purdue is proud to see its athletic programs achieve at the highest levels academically. This award is a reflection of our values as a university and the dedication of our student-athletes.”

As the new season approaches, the Boilermakers aim to build on both their academic and athletic success. With this award in hand, the program continues to set an example of what it means to be a true student-athlete — excelling in the classroom while competing at the highest level of college basketball.

For Purdue Basketball, success isn’t just measured by wins and losses, but by the kind of people the program helps develop — and this Academic Achievement Award is proof of that mission.