When Matt Painter took a step back to rebuild the Purdue basketball program in the early 2010s, he had a vision. No shortcuts, no empty promises of guaranteed minutes. Just build a culture where players earn everything they get. More than a decade later, that approach has delivered a national runner-up finish and five Big Ten titles since he took over.
Now Painter’s philosophy has produced perhaps his most intriguing duo yet. The international phenoms Omer Mayer and Oscar Cluff are turning heads in practice, and their recent workout photos have caught the attention of someone who knows what it takes to succeed at Purdue.
How Did Terone Johnson React to Seeing Omer Mayer and Oscar Cluff Working Together?
When Purdue basketball’s Instagram page shared workout photos of Cluff and Mayer with the caption “2️⃣ weeks with these 2️⃣,” the response was immediate. Terone Johnson, who earned All-Big Ten honors in 2013, couldn’t help but share his thoughts on the dynamic duo.
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Johnson, who suited up for the Boilermakers from 2010-2014, jumped into the comments with enthusiasm.
“Both are great guys, got to kick it and talk with them couple weekends ago, Purdue is in for a HUGE season! Boiler Up,” he wrote. Coming from someone who lived through Painter’s early rebuilding efforts, that endorsement carries weight.
Johnson’s excitement makes sense when you consider what Mayer brings to West Lafayette. The 6’3″ Israeli guard arrives as one of the most decorated international recruits in Big Ten history. Hoops HQ has him ranked as the top international incoming player in the conference, and his resume backs up that billing.
At the FIBA U20 EuroBasket, Mayer averaged 16.7 points and 5.1 assists while making 19-of-51 three-pointers. His performance at the U19 FIBA World Cup was also impressive, putting up 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists before a minor hand injury slowed his momentum.
Highlights from Omer Mayer’s:
33 Points
5 Rebounds
7 Assists
Today in Israel’s win over Cameroon 👀
Matt Painter and Purdue get another SUPERSTAR 🔥
pic.twitter.com/mcelpOzF3e
— BoilerMuse (@BoilerMuse) July 2, 2025
Despite offers from Duke, Florida, Auburn, and Ohio State, Mayer chose Painter’s program.
Cluff, meanwhile, declared his decision to transfer to Purdue for his final year of eligibility shortly after their Sweet 16 loss to Houston.
“The culture, the family — as you guys saw over the weekend, it was insane how many people came back,” Cluff said about his commitment. “It’s a family-built place. I think once you see that, why would you want to go anywhere else?”
Cluff averaged 17.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game during the 2024-25 season at South Dakota State.
What Makes Omer Mayer a Perfect Partner for Purdue Veteran Braden Smith?
While Mayer brings international flair and scoring punch, Braden Smith provides the steady leadership and elite playmaking that make everything work.
Former Indiana coach Tom Crean perfectly summed up Smith’s impact when he wrote, “I would pay Scalper prices in front of Mackey to sit in the upper deck to watch Braden Smith play for @BoilerBall. He is WITHOUT equal in @MarchMadnessMBB and is the best point guard from the State of Indiana since @YogiFerrell11. Braden is pure SPECIAL!”
Coming from a coach who went 166–135 at Indiana, that’s high praise.
The numbers back up Crean’s enthusiasm. Smith is already a Big Ten Player of the Year, Cousy Award winner, and is Purdue’s career assists leader with 758 helpers in just 110 games. After Murray State’s Ja Morant, Smith is the only player in NCAA history to record at least 550 points, 300 assists, and 150 rebounds in a season.
“Braden’s the best point guard in the country and he didn’t even get invited.” -Matt Painter @boilerball Carlos Knox sits down with Purdue head coach Matt Painter to talk about the underrated stories behind some of his top guys from Braden Smith to Zach Edey, Trey Kaufman-Reen pic.twitter.com/CXf32kWCkb
— A Star Struck Podcast (@CarlosKnox34) August 1, 2025
Smith also delivers when the lights are brightest. He’s recorded 15-plus assists in multiple Sweet 16 games, showing he can elevate his game when everything is on the line. That experience will prove valuable as he helps Mayer adjust to the college game.
The pairing of Smith’s court vision with Mayer’s international experience could create one of the most balanced offenses in college basketball. However, they’ll face an immediate test of that chemistry when the season begins.
Purdue opens with a marquee showdown against Kentucky on October 24, followed by a gauntlet that includes road trips to Alabama, the Baha Mar Championship in the Bahamas, and matchups with Iowa State, Marquette, and Auburn. Early games against Evansville and Oakland should help the Boilermakers find their rhythm before the heavyweight bouts begin.
RELATED: Purdue HC Matt Painter Recalls the Exact Moment He Was Convinced About Recruiting Braden Smith
With Mayer’s creativity complementing Smith’s command of the offense, Purdue isn’t just aiming for another Big Ten title. They’re setting their sights on a Final Four run.
The foundation Painter built through those lean years is now supporting what could be his most talented roster yet.
I liked the article better when you said it was Braden Smith in the photos instead of Oscar Cluff. Way to change the article numnuts.
Umm….Smith, huh?