This was the All Service Clubs meeting hosted by Kiwanis with Purdue Basketball Coaches Sharon Versyp and Matt Painter.
Kiwanis President Gail Beck introduced Nancy Cross, standing in for Morgan Burke, who introduced Purdue Women’s Basketball Head Coach Sharon Versyp noting her many accomplishments at Purdue. Versyp noted that the first game is against Ball State. There are many rule changes that are providing challenges and will definitely change the game. Television has hurt attendance, so teams all over the nation are trying to get “people in the seats”. She reviewed the players and their strengths: 2 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores and 5 freshmen. They are looking forward to a good season.
As Nancy introduced Matt Painter, she noted that this is his 10th season at Purdue as head Men’s Basketball Coach and listed many accomplishments.
Painter began by saying there are 30 practices in 42 days prior to the first game. He has lots of young players this year: no seniors; 6 new players. All are training to be a team. He is excited to have two 7 footers this year. His recruiting philosophy includes looking for good ball players who are also good men. Leadership on the team is beginning to become evident, but they need to move the ball around and to be trustworthy. More will be revealed as the season progresses.