Trey Kaufman-Renn, the standout forward for the Purdue Boilermakers, is currently facing a performance dip. Known for his pivotal role in the team’s recent successes, Kaufman-Renn has encountered challenges in his last three games, averaging only 8.0 points and shooting 37.5% from the field. His struggles come after a stellar season where he averaged over 20 points per game.
Recent Performance Struggles
In wins against Penn State, Iowa, and USC, Kaufman-Renn managed to score just an average of 4.6 rebounds and 2.0 assists. His performance against USC was particularly concerning, as he finished with only five points on 2-of-8 shooting and grabbed just three rebounds.
Coach’s Confidence
Despite these recent struggles, Purdue head coach Matt Painter remains optimistic. He emphasized that Kaufman-Renn has been taking quality shots, which simply haven’t been falling. Painter noted, “He had a couple of good looks… he just didn’t knock them down.”
Painter believes in Kaufman-Renn’s abilities, stating, “TK will be fine. He just has to keep his focus, keep going, and play confident.” Currently, Kaufman-Renn is averaging 12.7 points per game and remains the team’s top rebounder, pulling down 9.1 boards per contest.
Proven Track Record
Kaufman-Renn’s significant contributions go beyond recent games. Earlier in the season, he delivered a strong performance against Washington, scoring 14 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and providing six assists. He has scored in double figures in 13 out of the 15 games this season and recorded seven double-doubles.
- Average points per game: 12.7
- Average rebounds per game: 9.1
- Scored in double figures: 13 of 15 games
- Recorded double-doubles: 7
Kaufman-Renn remains a crucial player for the Boilermakers, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. While facing a temporary slump, his skill set positions him to bounce back and continue contributing to Purdue’s success as the season progresses.
