With the departure of Zach Edey to the NBA and the Memphis Grizzlies, the Purdue Boilermakers men’s basketball team is embracing a new era of leadership. In a major announcement that sets the tone for the 2025/26 season, head coach Matt Painter has confirmed the formation of a three-man leadership group featuring Braden Smith, Loyer Fletcher, and Trey Kaufman-Renn.
Painter described the trio as the “heart and backbone” of the team, tasked with carrying forward the program’s culture, inspiring younger teammates, and leading Purdue into what many believe could be another historic run.
“Zach left us with a legacy that can never be replaced,” Painter said. “But Purdue has always been about more than one player. This new leadership team—Braden, Loyer, and Trey—represents everything we value: toughness, selflessness, and a relentless will to win.”
Braden Smith: The Captain and Floor General
It was no surprise that Braden Smith headlines the leadership group. Named the official team captain, Smith has been a steady hand for Purdue since his freshman year. His quick decision-making, sharp passing, and fiery competitiveness have made him one of the Big Ten’s premier guards.
“Braden is our voice on the floor,” Painter explained. “He’s not afraid to hold his teammates accountable, but he also leads by example. He competes every possession like it’s his last, and that’s the type of standard we need.”
Smith himself acknowledged the weight of his new responsibility but expressed excitement about the challenge. “Zach was a giant—literally and figuratively,” he said. “Now it’s on us to show the younger guys what it means to play Purdue basketball. We want to chase Banner No. 1, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help lead us there.”
Loyer Fletcher: The Emotional Spark
Alongside Smith, **Loyer Fletcher** brings a different kind of leadership—passion, energy, and a deep connection with Purdue’s fan base. Known for his sharpshooting ability and intensity on both ends of the floor, Fletcher has become a crowd favorite and a vocal presence in the locker room.
Just last week, Fletcher made headlines with an emotional plea to fans, urging them to stay behind the team through thick and thin. His role in the leadership group builds on that sentiment.
“Loyer’s voice matters,” Painter said. “He’s not just a player who can hit big shots—he’s someone who rallies others, who refuses to let anyone give less than their best. He’s an emotional leader, and every great team needs one.”
Fletcher added, “I see this as a privilege. Our fans deserve silverware, and it’s our job to fight for it. I’ll push my teammates, and they’ll push me, because this is about all of us moving forward together.”
Trey Kaufman-Renn: The Veteran Anchor
Rounding out the trio is **Trey Kaufman-Renn**, a versatile forward entering the prime of his college career. With his ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and provide a steady presence, Kaufman-Renn is seen as the anchor who balances the leadership group.
“Trey is someone the younger players look up to,” Painter noted. “He’s been through the battles, understands what it takes to grind through a Big Ten season, and he carries himself with the maturity of a pro. He may not always be the loudest voice, but when he speaks, everyone listens.”
For Kaufman-Renn, being entrusted with leadership duties is both humbling and motivating. “I want to be the guy my teammates can lean on,” he said. “Whether it’s in practice, in the locker room, or late in a close game, I want them to know I’ll be there. Leadership is about consistency, and that’s what I hope to bring.”
A Collective Approach
Painter emphasized that the decision to name a three-man leadership team instead of a single captain was intentional. With Edey’s outsized presence gone, Purdue needs a collective approach to leadership that reflects the team’s new identity.
“We’re not replacing Zach with another Zach—that’s impossible,” Painter said. “But by spreading leadership across three guys, we’re building something sustainable. Different players lead in different ways, and together Braden, Loyer, and Trey complement each other perfectly.”
Fan and Player Reactions
The announcement was met with excitement among the Purdue community. Fans praised the decision as both practical and inspiring, noting that the three leaders represent the perfect balance of skill, personality, and experience.
On social media, one fan posted: “Smith is the brain, Fletcher is the heart, and Kaufman-Renn is the backbone. Love this trio—Boiler Up!”
Players in the locker room also welcomed the move. Younger teammates expressed confidence that the leadership group will help guide them through the challenges of the season. “Those three guys set the tone every day,” sophomore guard Myles Colvin said. “If we follow their example, we’ll be in great shape.”
The Road Ahead
The 2025/26 season promises to test Purdue in new ways. Without Edey dominating the paint, the Boilermakers must lean into speed, perimeter shooting, and collective defense. Painter’s squad faces a tough Big Ten schedule along with marquee non-conference matchups, but expectations remain sky-high after last year’s Final Four run.
The new leadership team will be at the forefront of that journey. From late-game situations to off-court accountability, their influence could determine whether Purdue finally raises its long-awaited **first national championship banner**
Conclusion
The announcement of Braden Smith, Loyer Fletcher, and Trey Kaufman-Renn as Purdue’s three-man leadership team is more than a simple reshuffle—it is a statement of intent. Under Matt Painter’s guidance, the Boilermakers are embracing a model of shared responsibility, resilience, and unity as they look to build on recent successes and chase college basketball’s ultimate prize.
As Painter put it:
“Purdue basketball has always been about team, about family. With Braden, Loyer, and Trey leading us, I know we’re in great hands. The mission hasn’t changed—Banner No. 1—and we’re ready to fight for it.”
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