Purdue Boilermakers basketball is synonymous with excellence in NCAA Division I. As a founding member of the esteemed Big Ten Conference, Purdue boasts an illustrious history marked by numerous accolades and milestones. With an impressive record of 26 Big Ten regular season championships, Purdue has consistently showcased its prowess on the court. Purdue became the first Big Ten program to secure the coveted #1 ranking in the nation for three consecutive seasons. Despite a storied legacy, the quest for an NCAA Championship continues to drive the Boilermakers forward. Let's delve into Purdue's remarkable journey through the annals of March Madness.
Pre-Tournament Helms Champions
In 1932, the Helms Athletic Foundation bestowed retrospective recognition upon Purdue as its national champion. The Premo-Porretta Power Poll also affirmed the Boilermakers' claim to the 1932 national championship.
Purdue NCAA Tournament Champions:
While Purdue has not clinched an NCAA Championship title, the team has participated in the NCAA tournament 34 times, showcasing a combined record of 44–34. An adjustment in the official NCAA Tournament record, attributed to an ineligible player, stands at 43–33.
NCAA Tournament Runner-Up
Purdue reached the pinnacle of the NCAA tournament competition in 1969, finishing as the runner-up.
Purdue NCAA Tournament History and Appearances
The Purdue Boilermakers have solidified their presence in the NCAA tournament, boasting 34 appearances to date. With a combined record of 44–34, Purdue's journey in the tournament reflects its enduring commitment to excellence on the court. It's worth noting that Purdue's official NCAA Tournament record stands at 43–33, as the result of an ineligible player leading to the vacating of one win and one loss from the 1996 NCAA Tournament.
NCAA Tournament Round of 32 Appearances
Purdue College has made appearances in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 a total of 26 times. Below is the list of years in which Purdue College made appearances in the NCAA tournament round of 32:
1969, 1977, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1996*, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022
These appearances underscore Purdue's consistent presence and competitive edge in the NCAA tournament's early stages.
NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen Appearances
Purdue College has made appearances in the NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen 13 times in the following years:
1969, 1980, 1988, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022
NCAA Tournament Elite Eight Appearances
Purdue College has made appearances in the NCAA tournament Elite Eight 5 times
in the following years:
1969, 1980, 1994, 2000, 2019
NCAA Tournament Final Four Appearances
Purdue's storied history includes appearances in the NCAA tournament's prestigious Final Four, two times in 1969 and 1980.
Purdue Conference Tournament Champions
Purdue College has clinched the title of Conference Tournament Champions in 2009 and 2023.
Purdue Conference Regular Season Champions
Purdue College has earned the esteemed title of Conference Regular Season Champions in the following illustrious years:
1911, 1912, 1921, 1922, 1926, 1928, 1930, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1938, 1940, 1969, 1979, 1984, 1987, 1988, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2010, 2017, 2019, 2023, 2024
FAQ's on Purdue College March Madness Playoff History
A. Purdue has made appearances in the NCAA tournament round of 32 a total of 26 times.
A. Purdue has made appearances in the NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen 13 times.
A. Purdue has made appearances in the NCAA tournament Elite Eight 5 times.
A. Purdue has reached the NCAA tournament's prestigious Final Four twice, in 1969 and 1980.
A. Purdue College has clinched the Conference Tournament Champions title twice, in 2009 and 2023.
