Barry Odom Commends Matt Painter and Purdue Basketball for Sweet 16 Achievement: ‘He Set the Standard’
Purdue football coach Barry Odom, though new to West Lafayette, has already been greatly impressed by men’s basketball coach Matt Painter and the Boilermaker basketball team. Odom took a moment to commend Painter and his staff for their impressive run in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, which has seen them reach the Sweet 16 once again.
After returning from spring break, Odom and his coaching staff were back on the practice field for the sixth session of the spring. Following practice, the new football coach spoke with reporters about various topics, starting with a significant shout-out to the basketball program, which has reached the Sweet 16 for the sixth time in the last eight years. With the Midwest Regional being held in Indianapolis, Odom plans to show his support for the Boilermakers at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday night.
“How great is it that men’s basketball and Coach Painter have made it to the Sweet 16? He’s really set the standard for excellence in all of sports,” Odom said. “Much respect to them for the hard work it took to get here. I’m excited to support them on Friday. Football is 100% behind them, and we can’t wait to see them compete.”
Since arriving in West Lafayette, Odom has attended several Purdue basketball games, both at Mackey Arena and in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, showing strong support for Painter and his staff.
Odom also believes the basketball team’s success can serve as a model for what the football program can achieve.
“The things they do on the court are contagious,” Odom said. “I can’t say enough about their success and how welcoming they’ve been to me since I arrived. The standard they’ve set has been established by our athletics director, Mr. Bobinski, and his approach to excellence. It’s something we’ll strive to follow as we do our part.”
Purdue advanced to the Sweet 16 this season with wins over High Point and McNeese in the first two rounds. The Boilermakers will now face top-seeded Houston on Friday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, with the game scheduled to begin around 10:09 p.m. ET.
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