𝑾𝑬𝑳𝑪𝑶𝑴𝑬 𝑩𝑨𝑪𝑲: 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝑶𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍; 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑷𝒖𝒓𝒅𝒖𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒓, 𝑹𝒐𝒃𝒃𝒊𝒆 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒍, 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒂𝒔 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒇𝒇 𝒅𝒖𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈…

WELCOME BACK: It’s Official – Former Purdue Boilermakers Basketball Star Robbie Hummel Returns to His Alma Mater as Senior Coaching Staff Member Following Devastating Loss

In a heartfelt and inspiring development for the Purdue basketball community, former Boilermakers star Robbie Hummel is officially returning to the university, joining the men’s basketball coaching staff as a senior advisor and coach. The announcement, made earlier today by Purdue Athletics, comes amid a time of emotional recovery for the program, following the devastating passing of longtime assistant coach Jack Thompson—a beloved figure in the Purdue sports family.

Robbie Hummel, one of the most iconic players in Purdue’s basketball history, is known for his resilience, leadership, and deep basketball IQ. Now, he brings those same qualities back to the hardwood in a new role, where he will help mentor players, support head coach Matt Painter, and provide strategic insights to continue the team’s tradition of excellence.

“It’s bittersweet,” Hummel shared during the press conference. “I would’ve never wished to return under these circumstances. Coach Thompson was a mentor to me, and I feel honored to continue his legacy and give back to a place that gave me everything.”

Hummel’s return has stirred waves of emotion among Purdue fans, players, and alumni. His career at Purdue (2007–2012) was marked by outstanding achievements, including being a three-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection. Despite battling major knee injuries, Hummel’s perseverance became symbolic of Boilermaker grit. His loyalty to the program and leadership on and off the court made him a fan favorite and a respected voice in the college basketball world.

Since graduating, Hummel transitioned smoothly into broadcasting, becoming a highly respected analyst for ESPN and Big Ten Network. His understanding of the game and calm, insightful commentary earned him a strong reputation nationwide. However, Hummel always expressed a desire to return to coaching when the right opportunity came—and for him, there’s no better place than Purdue.

Coach Matt Painter expressed both sorrow and excitement at the news. “Losing Coach Thompson was a heavy blow for all of us. But bringing in someone like Robbie, who not only understands our system but embodies the culture of this program, is the perfect way to move forward. He’s been through highs and lows, and that experience will be invaluable to our players.”

Hummel’s role on staff will go beyond Xs and Os. He’s expected to work closely with forwards and wing players, emphasizing player development, leadership, and basketball IQ. His presence is anticipated to inspire younger athletes, who grew up watching him play and know of his journey through adversity.

The Purdue basketball program is currently experiencing a renaissance, both on and off the court. With plans for a new grandstand and VIP suite in development, and now with a Boilermaker legend returning home, the foundation for future success is stronger than ever.

Robbie Hummel’s return is more than a coaching hire—it’s a homecoming, a tribute to legacy, and a powerful reminder of what it means to be a Boilermaker. Welcome back, Robbie. The Purdue family couldn’t be more proud.