Purdue men’s basketball lands top-10 7-foot junior Isaiah Hill

Top-10 junior Isaiah Hill dedicated to Purdue on Friday, changing into the highest-ranked prospect to decide to the Boilermakers for the reason that ESPN recruiting database started in 2007.

Hill selected Purdue over Louisvillewhich I visited final fall. Florida State was additionally concerned for Hill.

“Purdue has been recruiting me since the eighth grade. [Assistant] coach PJ Thompson and then head coach Matt Painter saw something in me. I am thankful for them,” Hill advised ESPN. “The people at the school, the coaches are very supportive on and off the court. Purdue is a great school academically.”

Hill additionally continues Purdue’s evolution into the “Big Man U” of school basketball, probably the newest in a protracted line of dominant faculty facilities below Painter — most not too long ago headlined by back-to-back nationwide participant of the 12 months Zach Edey.

“Matt Painter keeps it real,” Hill mentioned. “He is a hard worker who coaches to win. Off the court he can be a funny guy, but you wouldn’t know it. His plan is to help me develop, as I help the team win and give me a chance at the NBA.”

A 7-footer from Pike High School (Indianapolis), Hill is ranked No. 8 within the SC Next 60 for the category of 2007 — slotting in because the No. 1 middle within the class. The final top-10 prospect to decide to Purdue was Caleb Swaniganwho was ranked No. 9 within the Class of 2015.

Hill has important long-term upside, notably below Painter’s tutelage, however he impacts the sport now along with his dimension and size. With a formidable 7-5 wingspan, he’s a defensive anchor with elite rim safety instruments together with timing and execution to dam photographs. He is a skinny and agile rim runner with wonderful size and mobility. Lately, he has been operating the ground, rebounding and ending with extra focus, and his general exercise on each ends has led to extra productiveness.

Offensively, he’s lively within the dunker spot and has proven growing contact on face-up jumpers from midrange. Hill is making progress along with his 3-point shot, however he is aware of he’s at his greatest within the paint, on the rim and when operating the ground.

Hill averaged 11.3 factors, 8.3 rebounds and 4.0 blocks in three video games through the first Nike EYBL session final month, taking pictures 64% from the sector.

“I will bring heart, intensity and leadership to Purdue basketball,” Hill mentioned.

Hill is Purdue’s first dedication within the 2027 class, however the Boilermakers are coming off a 2026 recruiting cycle during which they landed 5 four-star prospects, together with three SC Next 100 recruits, en path to the nation’s No. 11 class.