Purdue’s Season Opener Clouded by Sudden Injury Doubts: Which Senior Starter’s Future Hangs in the Balance?

Guess what’s hanging in the balance tonight at Mackey Arena? Purdue basketball, stepping into the spotlight for their first real test of the season against Evansville — and the big question mark is none other than Trey Kaufman-Renn. The senior forward, fresh off an All-Big Ten campaign where he dazzled with 20.1 points and 6.5 boards per game, is tiptoeing gingerly around a hip injury. The latest Big Ten injury report tags him as “questionable,” which has everyone on edge, waiting to see if he can shake off that nagging issue and hit the court after warmups. Should Trey be sidelined or dial back his minutes, the spotlight shifts swiftly to redshirt freshman Jack Benter and transfer Liam Murphy — talk about stepping up or stepping aside. I don’t know about you, but this kind of pregame suspense keeps the pulse pounding. Want to keep tabs as this story unfolds? LEARN MORE

WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue men’s basketball will find out pregame if one of its stars will play in the season opener.

Senior forward Trey Kaufman-Renn is listed as questionable on the Big Ten’s injury report. He is dealing with a hip issue and is expected to go through warmups prior to the Boilermakers’ 6:30 p.m. tipoff against Evansville at Mackey Arena.

Kaufman-Renn is returning from an All-Big Ten season after averaging 20.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

If Kaufman-Renn cannot play, or if his minutes are limited, that likely means more minutes for redshirt freshman Jack Benter and North Florida transfer Liam Murphy.

Kaufman-Renn played in both of Purdue’s exhibition games, against Kentucky and UIndy. He did come out of the Kentucky game briefly while appearing to hurt his shoulder.