6-Foot-8 Delaware Forward John Camden Shocks Recruiting Trail, Commits to Purdue Over Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, Grand Canyon and SMU in Major Win for Boilermakers’ Frontcourt Future
In a pivotal move that could shape the trajectory of Purdue basketball’s future, 6-foot-8 forward John Camden, one of the most versatile and high-upside prospects from the state of Delaware, officially announced his commitment to the Boilermakers, turning down strong offers from Mississippi State, Oklahoma State, Grand Canyon, and SMU.
Camden’s decision to don the black and gold is a monumental recruiting win for head coach Matt Painter and his staff, who continue to build a roster rooted in length, skill, and two-way potential.
A former four-star recruit coming out of high school, Camden is known for his shooting touch, high basketball IQ, and positional versatility. He has the rare combination of size and perimeter skill that makes him a perfect fit for Purdue’s modern offensive system. Whether stretching the floor as a three-point threat, handling the ball in transition, or using his length to defend multiple positions, Camden’s game fits seamlessly into Painter’s disciplined, methodical approach.
What separates Camden from many of his peers is his polished skill set and mental toughness. At 6-foot-8, he has the frame to bang in the post but the agility and shooting touch to play like a wing. He brings a dynamic element to Purdue’s frontcourt that has recently leaned heavily on traditional bigs like Zach Edey. Camden opens up the floor, allows for creative offensive sets, and gives Purdue another scoring option beyond the paint.
His recruitment had been closely watched for months, with Mississippi State and Oklahoma State making late pushes, and Grand Canyon and SMU offering appealing NIL packages and immediate playing time. But in the end, it was Purdue’s reputation for development, high-level Big Ten competition, and strong coaching that won over Camden and his family. Sources close to the decision say Camden felt a deep connection with the Boilermakers’ staff and sees West Lafayette as the place where he can grow both as a player and a person.
Purdue fans have every reason to be excited. Camden’s commitment fills a major need and signals that the Boilermakers remain a national player in the recruiting landscape. With the departure of Zach Edey to the NBA and questions surrounding Purdue’s next go-to frontcourt presence, Camden provides a bridge to the future. His versatility gives Painter room to experiment with different lineups, including small-ball and stretch-forward concepts that could elevate Purdue’s offensive efficiency.
Beyond the hardwood, Camden brings leadership and maturity that coaches dream about. He’s been praised for his work ethic, coachability, and resilience, especially after battling injuries early in his career. Now healthy and hungry, he’s determined to make an immediate impact in the Big Ten.
As the college basketball world digests this surprise commitment, one thing is clear: Purdue just landed a major weapon. And with John Camden ready to lace up in West Lafayette, the Boilermakers’ future just got a whole lot brighter.
