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Former Boilermaker Brandon Brantley joins Purdue coaching staff

Matt Painter

Purdue head coach Matt Painter directs his team during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin, Sunday, March 3, 2013, in Madison, Wis. Purdue won 69-56. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

AP

With Micah Shrewsberry joining Brad Stevens in Boston, Purdue head coach Matt Painter’s brought a familiar face back to West Lafayette to fill out his coaching staff.

Purdue announced Wednesday that Brandon Brantley, who was a member of three Big Ten champion teams during his time as a player, has been hired as an assistant coach. After completing his college career Brantley played overseas in five different countries (there was also a stint in the CBA), winning four MVP awards and rebounding titles in four different leagues.

“We are excited about Brandon joining our staff. He has worked very hard to stay in and around the game after a successful career overseas,” Painter said in the release. “As a three-time Big Ten champion as a player, he brings a wealth of experience in understanding what it takes to be successful at the highest level. I am confident he can teach and mentor our players into well-rounded student-athletes in a first-class manner.”

Brantley spent the last two years coaching with the Eric Gordon All-Stars program, and those grassroots connections could give Purdue the recruiting boost it needs to once again be a factor in the Big Ten. Purdue loses four seniors at the end of the 2013-14 campaign, with shooting guard Dakota Mathias being their lone verbal commitment in the 2014 class at this time.

Purdue finished the 2012-13 season with a 16-18 record, going 8-10 in Big Ten play. Three of the team’s top four scorers from a season ago return, led by senior guard Terone Johnson (13.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg). Johnson was a third-team All-Big Ten selection by the league coaches.

Rising sophomores A.J. Hammons and Ronnie Johnson will once again play prominent roles for the Boilermakers, with the former earning Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors.

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