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‘We’ve got unfinished business’: Jaden Ivey explains decision to return to Purdue

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Jaden Ivey could’ve tested the NBA Draft waters after Purdue’s season came to an end in the NCAA Tournament. Or, he could’ve done what over 1,000 college basketball players have done so far this offseason: enter the transfer portal.

Ivey didn’t take either path, though. Instead, the freshman has stayed committed to returning to Purdue. Why?

“I think it just comes to say we have unfinished business,” Ivey told Big Ten Network’s Andy Katz. “Just, how it ended, we didn’t picture that. I think with the guys coming back and the talent that we have, I think we can make some noise next year. So, it’s all about having unfinished business to take care of and we’re gonna keep working.”

Purdue was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, despite earning a No. 4 seed. The Boilermakers fell 78-69 in overtime by No. 13 seed North Texas.

Still, Purdue had a lot to be happy about last season. Even though it was one of the youngest rosters in all of college basketball, the Boilers finished the season with an 18-10 record and a 13-6 mark in B1G play, finishing fourth in the conference.

Ivey was a huge part of that success as a freshman, averaging 11.1 points per game, the second-highest mark for the team. He also averaged 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest while logging over 24 minutes per game.

Purdue is considered a Top 5 team in several way-too-early rankings.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB