Purdue head coach Matt Painter and his staff announced that three prospects have signed National Letters of Intent and will begin competing for the Boilermakers in the 2014-15 season.
Ohio natives Dakota Mathias and Vince Edwards will join forces with Massachusetts resident Jacquil Taylor to comprise a class that fills the needs of the Purdue basketball program.
“It’s a class that can really help us with our skill level and decision making. I like all three guys and their versatility and their ability to play different positions and fit into our system, especially when it comes to our motion offense,” Painter said. “All three of these guys have a lot of the same characteristics in that they are hard-working guys, understand basketball, come from great families and I think when you have those characteristics, you are really going to fit in here at Purdue.”
It marks the first time since the 2007 November Signing Day (Lewis Jackson, Ryne Smith) that Purdue did not have an in-state signee, showing the Boilermakers’ strong national appeal.
“I think whether you sign in-state or out-of-state guys, everything gets cyclical. You always try to recruit your backyard and neighboring states, but when you have to branch out, it means there is a need there,” Painter added. “Dakota and Vince are both within a three-hour drive of Purdue and Jacquil fits our need. He really fits there in terms of how we play. All three of the guys have the makeup of what we need for success.”