Purdue coach Matt Painter has started shooting guard Fletcher Loyer since he joined the Boilermakers in 2022. The 6’6″ guard out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, is repaying the trust with excellent sniping that helped Purdue reach the 2024 national championship final and has consistently averaged in double-figures in the past three years.
Critics have stepped up their tirade against Loyer, with some fans calling for Painter to replace him in the starting lineup, as he has been missing in action in big moments, particularly in the NCAA tournaments in which the Boilermakers have participated.
But Loyer silenced them on Tuesday, dropping 30 points to lead Purdue to an 82-51 win over Evansville. The veteran coach came to the guard’s aid and sent a strong message to his critics in a postgame interview.
What Did Matt Painter Say To Fletcher Loyer’s Critics?
A reporter asked the Purdue coach about the fans who wanted Loyer off the team. Painter gave a subtle insult to them, asking the fans not to follow these kinds of critics who don’t know how vital the 6’6″ guard is for the Boilermakers’ campaign this season.
“Well, the people that want to replace him aren’t very smart,” Painter said. “That’s really good. So, let’s not hang out with them.”
College basketball fans criticize the senior guard for misfiring in crucial situations, in particular, in Purdue’s loss to Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament, where he was limited to five points and 0-for-6 shooting.
Painter, who is in his 21st season as Purdue’s head coach, defined Loyer’s importance to the team beyond his primary role as its resident sniper.
“He’s a great shot maker, but he does a lot of things that just help you win that probably go beyond the eye for this program,” he said. “(Loyer is) tough, hard-nosed, knows the game, knows what’s going on, always in good position, understands the purpose of what we’re doing on both ends. And that’s what a good player does.”
Loyer, who is in his senior year at Purdue, shot 8-of-11 from the field, including 7-of-10 from the 3-point line and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. He also had one assist in 28 minutes for the No. 1-ranked Boilermakers.
Last season, Loyer averaged 13.8 points on 46.5% shooting from the 3-point line, and much is expected of him as one of the team’s senior players who are aiming to redeem themselves after Houston ousted them in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament.
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Aside from Loyer, preseason All-American Braden Smith dished off 11 assists to go along with six points and two rebounds and two steals, while Jack Benter and Daniel Jacobsen added 11 each.
Transfer forward/center Oscar Cluff came in one point shy of a double-double, finishing with nine points and 10 assists, as Purdue built a 19-point lead in the first half and never looked back.
Purdue will be back in action on Friday night, as it takes on Oakland at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana.