WEST LAFAYETTE − It turns out, there is life for Purdue basketball after all that talent that departed.
The Boilermakers' first chance to experiment with its full 2026-27 roster was a resounding success.
Purdue dispatched of Ball State 87-55 in its first chance to showcase the new-look Boilers in Mackey Arena.
Nearly three months since the Boilermakers played four summer exhibition games in British Columbia, they welcomed a step up in competition Sunday.
It marked the Purdue debut for Enzo Shahrvin, who was granted eligibility earlier this month. He was the lone player who didn't participate in the summer trip to Canada. In his first game as a Boiler, Shahrvin had a game-high 8 rebounds.
Junior guard CJ Cox is the lone returning starter from last season's Elite Eight team and immediately looked the part of a veteran leader with a 3-pointer on Purdue's first possession. The Boilers never looked back, leading the entire way.
Purdue basketball turning point vs. Ball State
This game was all about tinkering to see what works and what doesn't. Purdue's 3-point shooting was working.
The Boilermakers drilled 10 of 25 from beyond the arc in the first half and led 49-33. Not that it matters. It's called exhibition for a reason. Still, it is a promising sign for a Purdue team that with its roster makeup will rely on points from the perimeter.
More: CJ Cox faces new challenge as Purdue basketball leader
Rebounding and taking care of the ball were key points for Purdue head coach Matt Painter coming into the season.
By halftime, the Boilers outrebounded Ball State 25-12, with 12 boards coming on the offensive end, and had just three turnovers. Those results matter more than the final score ahead of Thursday's second exhibition game at Purdue Fort Wayne. Purdue finished with 9 turnovers and outrebounded the Cardinals by 13.
Game MVP
Gicarri Harris was a starter out of the gate as a true freshman. That lasted five games. The junior heard his name called as a starter for the first time since early in that 2024-25 season. Harris accepted his role off the bench, but had his heart set on being a starter entering last season.
He looked the part in his return to the first five.
Harris finished with a game-highs of 16 points and 5 assists in 21 minutes without a turnover.
3 more stars for Purdue basketball in win vs. Ball State
Jacob Webber: His primary role to earn minutes this season will be as a shot maker. Webber immediately wowed the home crowd with a 3-pointer after coming off the bench. On the ensuing possession, Webber drained a fadeaway baseline jumper with the shot clock winding down. He probably got a little too shot happy, but they sure are pretty when they fall with his lightning quick release. Webber's percentage suffered in the second half, but he did hit two 3s and finished with 8 points.
CJ Cox: Now in a lead role after two years as a starter as a complementary piece, Cox provided what Purdue will need out of him more consistently. Cox finished with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists in 17 minutes.
Daniel Jacobsen: This wasn't his best and certainly others could've served this spot just as well. Jacobsen still has to get stronger, but it's evident he's made some strides. Three turnovers are problematic, but it's an exhibition contest with a chance to clean up before it counts. Still, the 7-foot-4 rim protector had 6 blocks. Add that to his 8 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and that's a pretty good day.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue basketball finds stars in new roles during Ball State exhibition