Matt Painter and the Purdue Boilermakers continue to build toward the future, officially bringing in two of the best prospects in the 2027 recruiting class with the signings of Isaiah Hill and Kevin Savage. The two additions give Purdue an impressive duo for the future, pairing an elite frontcourt athlete with a highly regarded point guard, who can do it all. While there is still plenty of basketball to be played before either player arrives in West Lafayette, this is another significant recruiting win
for a program that continues to establish itself among the nation’s best in recruiting high school players, rather than relying on the transfer portal.
The headliner of the class is undoubtedly Isaiah Hill, a seven-foot center from Pike High School in Indianapolis. Hill has been one of the most highly regarded players in the country throughout his recruitment, earning recognition as a five-star prospect by several recruiting services. He was ranked among the top 20 players nationally and is considered one of the best centers in the 2027 class. Purdue’s pursuit of Hill began early in his development, recruiting him since eighth grade, and eventually won out over several major programs. His combination of size, athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and developing perimeter game makes him a perfect fot for Coach Painter and his staff.
Hill also represents something Purdue fans have become accustomed to seeing under Matt Painter: an opportunity to develop an elite big man. The Boilermakers have built a reputation around talented frontcourt players, and Hill has the physical tools to continue that tradition. He can protect the rim, finish above it, run the floor, and potentially stretch defenses with his shooting ability. There will naturally be expectations surrounding a prospect of his caliber, but what is most exciting is the thought of what his ceiling could be down the road.
Joining Hill in the 2027 class is Kevin Savage, a four-star point guard from Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia. Standing approximately 5-foot-11, Savage has earned national attention for his scoring ability, quickness, ball-handling, and ability to create opportunities for teammates. He was ranked among the top 40 prospects in the country by several recruiting services and chose Purdue over a number of high-major programs, including Georgia, Georgia Tech, Auburn, Florida State, and UCLA. Savage’s decision also continues Painter’s recent success recruiting talented point guards, following commitments from Omer Mayer and Luke Ertel in back to back classes, as well as the success of former Point Guard, Braden Smith.
The pairing of Hill and Savage is particularly interesting because of how naturally their skill sets complement one another. Savage brings the ability to control the offense, create off the dribble, and put pressure on opposing defenses, while Hill provides an interior presence and a difference-maker defensively. A talented point guard working alongside an athletic seven-footer is a combination Purdue fans should enjoy watching develop, and something that we have seen before. Both players also fit the type of talent Painter has historically developed, making the potential of this recruiting class even more intriguing.
Purdue’s 2027 recruiting class gives the Boilermakers another reason to feel confident about the direction of the program. Painter has consistently found ways to reload rather than rebuild, and landing two nationally recognized prospects at important positions is another example of that approach. Hill and Savage have the potential to become great players in West Lafayette, and their arrivals will give Purdue fans plenty to look forward to. The 2027 season is still a long way off, but the future is looking awfully bright in West Lafayette.
