Matt Painter's Hair Changes, He Doesn't

By Leroy Bridges
Executive Reporter

In four years at Purdue, Matt Painter has been through it all.
And yet the only thing that’s changed about the guy who landed a dream job at the age of 34 is his hair.
“Getting grayer,” said his wife, Jerri, about what’s changed with her husband since becoming head coach at Purdue. “It’s like a picture of the president before and after the term.”
Four years ago, an ambitious Painter walked into Morgan Burke’s office with a full-head of black hair and a national title on his mind. Burke knew from talking with legendary Purdue coach Gene Keady and Illinois coach Bruce Weber that Painter was ready to take on a restoration project.
“Gene and Bruce watched him evolve,” Burke said. “Bruce’s comment was ‘If Purdue isn’t going to hire him, someone else in the Big Ten will.’”
Despite a nine-win season in year one, Painter has led Purdue to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments and a heap of attention this season. Burke’s not surprised by Painter’s early success but it does make him smile.
“I think he’s been exactly what we thought we would get,” Burke said. “We thought we had a guy who had an intensity and a love for the game.”
Painter’s ability to motivate players without “browbeating” them impresses assistant coach Rick Ray on a daily. That knack for pushing players has been evident from day one and is a staple to Painter’s coaching success, Ray said.
“That’s something refreshing because the players put it upon themselves because if the guys don’t play hard they hold each other accountable,” Ray said.
Senior guard Marcus Green was a part of Painter’s first recruiting class and appreciates Painter’s ability to get the most out of him every day without bullying him.
“He’s created a situation where we play hard because we don’t want to let the team down and that’s enjoyable,” Green said. “I would hate to see him when he has six or seven All Americans on the court.
“He’s doing great right now and if he continues it, people better watch out for him.”
Painter knows he’s fortunate. From time to time he reminds himself of the profession he lives every day even if it brings more gray hair.
“If I am not the coach here, I guarantee (Purdue) still has a season. I don’t take that for granted,” Painter said. “I try to teach (the team) the same beliefs. We’re all very lucky to be in this position.”
Painter’s position entering this season is a long way from when he trotted into Burke’s office spouting his dreams of winning a national title at Purdue. The preseason No. 11 Boilers return all five starters, including the team’s MVP, junior guard Keaton Grant; the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, junior guard Chris Kramer; and the Big Ten’s Preseason Player of the Year, sophomore forward Robbie Hummel.
“I think it’s always amazing how fast everything goes. It seems like you’re a freshman and you turn around and you’re a senior,” Painter said. “Time flies. That’s why you have to enjoy it while it’s happening. You have to make your hard work fun.”
Painter and his Boilers begin their fun tonight in their first regular season game. Tip-off is at 9 p.m. in Mackey Arena against Detroit Mercy.

Published in the Purdue Exponent in November 2008.