Purdue men’s basketball’s Omer Mayer said star Boilermaker guards new and old assisted in bringing him to West Lafayette.
In a video clip posted by Boilermaker men’s basketball’s X.com account, Mayer described how Braden Smith reaching out via text message helped him connect with his future team.
“I knew Braden, of course, and I knew how good of a player he is,” Mayer said. “Him texting me, by his own, that meant a lot for me. That was the point I realized his personality as well. Then I said alright, that’s the spot for me.”
Mayer played with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague. Former Purdue All-American guard Carsen Edwards played for a rival program, FC Bayern Munich. Mayer said he began following Edwards when he played for another EuroLeague team, Fenerbahce S.K., in 2022-23.
“When he reached out, I was really surprised,” Mayer said. “For me, starting to realize how much Purdue is a family makes you feel comfortable. No ego — everyone is a family.”
Interview clips put out by the team will be the only ones fans see until the season. Despite his advanced playing background, the same freshman rules apply. Mayer will be off-limits until after he plays in the Boilermakers’ first exhibition game.
For other reasons, the Israeli guard’s anticipation for the season is already high.
“Goosebumps — I’m just thinking about it and it makes me so excited,” Mayer said. “I can’t wait to meet all the fans.”
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue basketball’s Omer Mayer said Braden Smith, Carsen Edwards helped make him a Boiler
Reporting by Nathan Baird, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
