Trey Kaufman-Renn said he’s devoted the last 15 years to becoming an NBA player.
Now Purdue basketball’s three-year starter has his opportunity.
Kaufman-Renn was selected 59th by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2026 NBA Draft.
It marks the first time since 2011 that Purdue had two players selected in the same NBA Draft after Kaufman-Renn heard his name called 21 picks after college teammate Braden Smith.
Here’s a look at Kaufman-Renn’s Purdue career and what he brings to the Timberwolves.
Trey Kaufman-Renn with Purdue basketball
After redshirting during the 2021-22 season, Kaufman-Renn found himself in a complementary role off the bench the following season.
He spent the past three seasons as a starter, including with the Boilermakers’ 2024 national runner-up team.
After starting at power forward alongside Zach Edey during the 2023-24 season, Kaufman-Renn shifted to center as Purdue played with a smaller lineup during the 2024-25 season. He led the team in scoring that season at 20.1 points per game and was a first-team All-Big Ten honoree.
As a redshirt senior, Kaufman-Renn moved back to his original position and averaged 14.2 points and a career-high 8.3 rebounds for a 30-9 Elite Eight team, lifted by Kaufman-Renn’s buzzer-beating putback against Texas in the Sweet 16. Kaufman-Renn finished his career with 1.655 points, averaging 11.3 over 147 career games.
What Trey Kaufman-Renn brings to Minnesota Timberwolves
At 6 foot 9, Kaufman-Renn proved to be a mismatch in the post with an array of offensive weapons. He and Smith mastered the pick and roll over his final two seasons, helping him shoot a cumulative 58.7% in over those years.
Kaufman-Renn’s footwork and an unorthodox one-handed push floater similar to one used by Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein led to 519 made 2-point field goals in his final two seasons.
His elite strength allowed him to get to his spots, but his improved rebounding and ability to pass out of the post will translate most to the NBA. Kaufman-Renn averaged 3.6 assists per game last season.
Kaufman-Renn’s defense is a question mark. He was not a big time shot blocker, but it’s something he spent a lot of time with post college career to prepare for the NBA.
Despite not being utilized as a 3-point threat in college, it’s a skill Kaufman-Renn possesses. He was a late addition to the NBA Draft Combine invitees after strong performances at the Portsmouth Invitational and G-League Combine, which included his long range shooting ability.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue basketball’s star forward picked in second round of NBA draft
Reporting by Sam King, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Sam King, Lafayette Journal & Courier | USA TODAY Network
