C: Oscar Cluff (SR)
Height/Weight: 6’11”/255 lbs
Previous School: South Dakota State
2024-25 Stats: 17.6 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.8 BPG, 63.4% FG
Offensive Impact
Definitely the efficient post up big Painter loves having.
More craft than power in the post, will be interesting to see how he plays up against more athleticism. Had success vs power teams last season (19 points vs Boise, 21 points vs Bama). Was less efficient in his 1 year at Washington State in 2023-24.
Great on the offensive glass (17.2% OREB rate last season). The combination with Trey Kaufmann-Renn will give Purdue its old offensive identity that dominates the interior.
Solid passer and can be useful in the dribble hand off game. 21.6% assist rate last season.
Will be interesting to see how he and Kaufmann-Renn work together. Neither space the floor and it’s not like Cluff is going to be an unstoppable force down low.
Both bigs see the floor well so that could be the difference maker.
Defensive Impact
Most likely will be deployed as a drop defender, but I am not sure I love him as a Big Ten defensive anchor.
Moves fairly well for his size and is a good rebounder, but worried about the rim protection skills playing up (3.5% block rate). Would have liked to see him make more of a defensive impact in the Summit League than he did this season.
Also can’t play him in a rim denial scheme like Purdue played this season. Would most likely get torched with TKR on the floor with him under that defensive scheme.
Gives Purdue a higher floor defensively with his rebounding and added interior presence in general.