Basil Smotherman To Leave Purdue Boilermakers

According to a release from the school, Purdue redshirt junior forward Basil Smotherman will be leaving the program. This isn’t a massive loss for the program from a statistical perspective, but is one that could impact Purdue down the line.

Over the last three seasons, Smotherman has made varying statistical contributions to the Boilermakers with the most significant coming during the 2013-’14 season. All told, he averaged 3.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game during his tenure with the program.

While Smotherman’s loss isn’t all that concerning on its face, it does leave Purdue thin on the wing. With many expecting Vincent Edwards to depart for the NBA after this season, there’s a chance that Purdue could be losing its two most experienced forwards in one offseason.

The good news is that this should help with Purdue’s scholarship numbers. The program was set to be one over the limit heading into next season and this will bring Purdue back under the total. It should also give the program some leeway in the transfer market this spring.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this announcement will be to see whether Smotherman attempts to transfer elsewhere. One would assume some programs would have interest. Otherwise, this will make a small, but noticeable hit to Purdue’s expectations for next season.