Purdue basketball adds 3-star shooting guard to 2017 recruiting class

The Boilermakers made a late addition to their 2017 recruiting class this week with the addition of Crown Point shooting guard Sasha Stefanovic.

As reported this past weekend, forward Basil Smotherman left the team and that recent development opened up a scholarship for 2017. Stefanovic had been on Purdue’s radar for quite some time, but due to scholarship constraints Matt Painter couldn’t offer the guard as he had other priorities to fill first (leaving no available scholarships). The sudden departure of Smotherman, though, finally allowed Painter to offer and the 6’5” Indiana native wasted no time accepting said offer.

Prior to having an available scholarship, Painter had discussed the possibility of Stefanovic attending a prep school and heading to Purdue as a part of the 2018 recruiting class.

The addition of Stefanovic will provide Purdue with another capable shooter as he’s averaged just under 40% from three this season and also has a solid mid-range jumper. With three point specialist Dakota Mathias having only one more year of eligibility after this season, bringing in another outside threat was going to be a need in the near future for the Boilermakers.

According to Stefanovic’s head coach, he also could provide some versatility and help run the point if the situation calls for it.

“The thing I think that probably separates him from some of other good shooters who come out of high school is he's more than just that. He's able to handle the basketball. When our point guard is out he moves over and plays point for us,” said Crown Point coach Clint Swan.

The three-star shooting guard joins a 2017 class that includes four-star guard Nojel Eastern, three-star forward Aaron Wheeler and three-star center Matt Haarms. Also set to join in 2017 is JUCO transfer Eden Ewing, a 6’9” forward currently playing at Tyler Junior College.