Checking In On Purdue Boilermakers 2017 Recruiting Class

As the college basketball season inches closer and closer there are going to be a lot of new story-lines, but the one consistent topic of conversation discussed every season is recruiting.

The Boilermakers 2015-16 season was a successful one, but their recruiting class didn't reflect that same success. When everything was said and done, the only signed recruit was Carsen Edwards. Though he was the #88 recruit on the ESPN Top 100, there's now much more onus on head coach Matt Painter and his staff to now land a solid 2017 recruiting class after landing just one recruit during this past recruiting cycle.

So with that being said let's check in on Purdue's recruiting and see what prospects they're potentially targeting:

Theo John

Theo John is a 6-foot-8 power-forward from Champlin, Minnesota. He's very athletic which helps his ability to protect the rim on the defensive end. Like other recruits he's received an offer by Purdue and they've put themselves in a good position to attempt signing him.

Malik Williams

Williams is the #42 player in the ESPN Top 100 for a reason because of his versatility. The Fort Wayne, Indiana prospect stands over 6-foot-10 and just like John he's athletic for his size. Though he's a lanky big man who's known for his defensive prowess, he also has good athleticism, underrated ball handling and an ability to shoot making him one of the more versatile players in the entire class.

Michigan State is where he'll land, if you believe the 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction, but also he's continuing to receive offers from other top schools including a recent offer from Georgetown University:

Congrats to 2017 big man Malik Williams @leek_willi34 on his offer from Georgetown University @ElevateHoops

— LEGIT BASKETBALL (@LEGITBASKETBALL) July 11, 2016

Until his decision is actually made, there's time for Purdue to make a run for the Indiana prospect.

Jordan Goodwin

Well defense is once again the term I must mention, but now it's for this Belleville, Illinois prospect. Purdue has already offered Jordan Goodwin a year ago and he took to Twitter in reaction to it.

Blessed to receive offers from Illinois state, Virginia tech, and Purdue

— JGOOD〽️ (@jGoodwin1123) June 17, 2015

Goodwin is the definition of what a combo guard looks like. At 6-foot-4, he can shoot the ball well, a capable rebounder from his position, can pass and above all he's shown to be a tenacious competitor. These are qualities any team wants including Purdue and if you don't believe it then watch the video below to see why he's worth every bit of the 53rd player ranking in the ESPN 100.

Xavier Tillman

As the #68 ESPN 100 prospect, the Grand Rapids, Michigan power-forward is definitely on Purdue's radar with them giving him an offer. At 6-foot-8, 230 pounds he's a big man with a true big's game. With big-men like JaJuan Johnson, A.J. Hammons and Caleb Swanigan playing at Purdue University, you can understand the attraction head coach Painter potentially sees in Tillman.

Nojel Eastern

Though Eastern is the lowest ESPN recruit out of the last three players mentioned at #73, he's one of the most dynamic and explosive scorers in this entire recruiting class.

The crafty left-handed 6-foot-6 shooting guard is highly touted with a plethora of offers from major colleges, with Purdue being one of those colleges on that long list. The Evanston, Illinois standout can run off screens, create his own shot off-the-dribble and create shot opportunities for teammates. It's easy to see why Painter has already offered him and why he'd want this guy playing for his program.