**░B░░I░░G░ ░C░░O░░N░░G░░R░░A░░T░░U░░L░░A░░T░░I░░O░░N░░S░! ░E░░S░░P░░N░ ░S░░A░░I░░D░:** In a moment of pride for the University of Purdue and sports fans nationwide, Boilermaker men’s basketball legend **Gene Keady** has been named one of **TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports!**

**░B░░I░░G░ ░C░░O░░N░░G░░R░░A░░T░░U░░L░░A░░T░░I░░O░░N░░S░! ░E░░S░░P░░N░ ░S░░A░░I░░D░:**
In a moment of pride for the University of Purdue and sports fans nationwide, Boilermaker men’s basketball legend **Gene Keady** has been named one of **TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports!**

Gene Keady, your name echoes through history—TIME 100 is not just honoring a legend, they’re celebrating your heart, your humility, and your

 

For Purdue University, this is more than just a personal accolade—it’s a defining honor for the program, the fans, and the legacy of one of college basketball’s most iconic figures. Gene Keady is not just a coach; he is a symbol of excellence, tenacity, and unshakable belief in the power of hard work and teamwork.

With his signature scowl, comb-over, and relentless coaching style, Keady became a fixture of the college basketball world throughout the ’80s and ’90s. Over the course of 25 seasons as head coach at Purdue (1980–2005), Keady earned **512 wins**, seven Big Ten Championships, and six Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. He didn’t just build teams—he built character. Keady demanded toughness, discipline, and heart, and in doing so, helped mold generations of athletes and leaders.

Now, in 2025, TIME magazine has recognized what Boilermaker Nation has always known: Gene Keady’s influence goes far beyond the hardwood. He shaped college basketball, inspired coaches across the country, and helped elevate Purdue’s national standing as a powerhouse of integrity and grit.

This milestone also arrives on the heels of a renaissance in Purdue basketball, with the current program drawing on the legacy of Keady’s leadership. His fingerprints remain on every defensive play, every fast break, and every player who walks through Mackey Arena with pride.

The ESPN feature covering the announcement praised Keady not only for his record but for his lifelong commitment to the game. “Gene Keady didn’t just win games—he created a culture. A generation of coaches, players, and fans owe him a debt of gratitude,” the network reported.

Many of Keady’s former players, now successful coaches and professionals in their own right, echoed this sentiment on social media. Former Purdue star and current head coach Matt Painter tweeted: *“Coach Keady taught us how to compete, how to lead, and how to never back down. There’s no one more deserving of this honor.”*

Gene Keady’s journey—from Kansas high school gyms to the national spotlight—is a testament to the American sports dream. It’s a celebration of what happens when passion meets persistence.

So here’s to the man who made Purdue a name to respect, fear, and admire in the world of college basketball.

**BIG CONGRATULATIONS, COACH KEADY**
You’ve earned this moment—and then some. 🏀💛🖤