Purdue Basketball Welcomes Senior Center Oscar Cluff
Oscar Cluff has committed to Purdue after transferring from South Dakota State, bringing with him a strong interior presence and a proven ability to dominate in the post. At 6-foot-11, the senior center will add size and toughness to the Boilermakers’ lineup, particularly in scoring and rebounding.
As part of Purdue Boilermakers on SI’s “Welcome Back/Welcome Aboard” series, we’re taking a closer look at Cluff’s past season and what he brings to Purdue for the 2025-26 campaign. This series also highlights key players for the upcoming season, with a focus on the 2024-25 season recaps.
Cluff’s 2024-25 Season: A Double-Double Machine
Cluff’s standout performance in his only season at South Dakota State made him one of the top big men in the transfer portal. Averaging 17.6 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, he was a walking double-double and earned a spot on the first-team All-Summit League. His 22 double-doubles last season were a testament to his consistent production.
Cluff’s scoring came in a variety of ways, from working in the pick-and-roll to backing down defenders in the post, as well as thriving on putback opportunities. His two best games came in January: on January 2, he dropped 30 points and grabbed 19 rebounds in a 91-70 win over Denver, and just two weeks later, he posted 21 points and 20 rebounds in an 84-70 victory against Oral Roberts.
Despite facing occasional foul trouble, Cluff proved he could stay on the floor while playing physical basketball, averaging nearly 28 minutes per game with fewer than 2.1 fouls per game. He only fouled out once in seven games, showcasing his discipline and ability to contribute without being a liability.
Cluff Adds Rebounding and Physicality to Purdue
Purdue struggled with rebounding last season, ranking just 102nd in team rebounding percentage, which cost them in several games. With that in mind, Coach Matt Painter made it a priority to find a player who could help on the boards, and Cluff fits that need perfectly.
Cluff ranked second in the NCAA last season with 12.3 total rebounds per game and also led the nation with 4.2 offensive rebounds per game. Purdue’s leading rebounder from last season, Trey Kaufman-Renn, averaged 6.5 boards per game, so Cluff’s ability to dominate the glass will be a welcome addition.
While Purdue struggled with rim protection last season, Cluff’s skills are more focused on rebounding and second-chance opportunities rather than shot-blocking. For defensive help, the Boilermakers will lean on 7-foot-4 center Daniel Jacobsen.
Cluff won’t solve all of Purdue’s defensive issues, but he will provide much-needed help in rebounding and creating additional scoring chances, making Purdue more dynamic offensively.
A Big Man with Impressive Passing Skills
One of the less-discussed aspects of Cluff’s game is his ability to pass. While he might not match the passing prowess of former Boilermaker Trevion Williams, Cluff is a skilled passer for a big man, averaging 2.8 assists per game. This is an important asset for Purdue’s offense, as the Boilermakers often rely on post players who can draw double teams and kick the ball out to shooters.
With shooters like Fletcher Loyer, Braden Smith, CJ Cox, Gicarri Harris, and transfer Liam Murphy surrounding him, Cluff could become one of the more dangerous passing big men in the country. His unselfish style of play also makes him a valuable asset in creating shots for his teammates.
Looking Ahead to 2025-26
Cluff’s physicality and presence in the post will be immediate assets for Purdue, but he will share time in the five-spot with Jacobsen, allowing Cluff to focus more on rebounding and scoring rather than being overtaxed on the defensive end. This could lead to more efficient play and better endurance throughout the season.
The biggest question about Cluff heading into the 2025-26 season is his defensive reliability. While he will provide some interior presence, it remains to be seen how well he can keep opponents out of the paint and help when guards are beaten on the perimeter.
Despite some areas that need improvement, Cluff’s addition to the roster is a major win for Purdue. His toughness, rebounding, and offensive ability will be critical as the Boilermakers look to make a deep run in the postseason and potentially return to the Final Four.
Oscar Cluff 2024-25 Stats & Highlights
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Points per game: 17.6
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Rebounds per game: 12.3
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Assists per game: 2.8
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Field goal percentage: 63.4%
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Free throw percentage: 77.8%
Highlights:
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30 points, 19 rebounds vs. Denver
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21 points, 20 rebounds vs. Oral Roberts
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22 double-doubles during the season
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