Lessons in Leadership and Loyalty From Purdue Men’s Basketball

About this episode

P.J. Thompson shares insights on leadership and team culture from his experience as a player and coach in Purdue men’s basketball.

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to P.J. Thompson, assistant coach for Purdue men’s basketball. During his time at Purdue, P.J. (BS organizational leadership ’18), was a three-year starter on the team and helped the Boilermakers win the 2017 Big Ten Championship. Since then, he has been part of the coaching staff — helping lead the team to Purdue’s first No. 1 ranking and the 2024 NCAA Division I men’s basketball national championship game. In this episode you will: Hear P.J.’s lessons in leadership from his first five years coaching at Purdue, especially what he has learned from head coach Matt Painter and the legendary former head coach Gene Keady Learn about the unique culture of education, loyalty and family that brought the team to play in a national championship game — and helps recruit and retain some of the best players in the country Discover P.J.’s focus as offensive coordinator when coaching Purdue-turned-NBA players like Zach Edey and Jaden Ivey, and current stars Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn Find out what qualities Purdue looks for when it comes to recruiting young talent Hear how Purdue navigates name, image, likeness in today’s modern…

People in this episode

Guest: P.J. Thompson

Topics covered

• leadership
• basketball
• coaching
• team culture
• recruitment
• NCAA

Keywords

• P.J. Thompson
• Purdue basketball
• leadership lessons
• NCAA
• coaching
• recruitment
• team culture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Purdue University, Purdue men’s basketball

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