Ex-Princeton star Caden Pierce commits to Purdue

Field Level Media|published: Fri 13th February, 17:32 2026

Dec 21, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Princeton Tigers forward Caden Pierce (3) looks to pass while being defended by Rutgers Scarlet Knights center Zach Martini (99) during the second half at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images

Former Princeton star Caden Pierce, who is sitting out this season, announced Friday that he will transfer to Purdue for the 2026-27 season.

Pierce was the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2023-24. He isn't playing this season so he can finish his degree.

The 6-foot-7 forward also considered UConn, Duke, Gonzaga and Louisville before deciding on the Boilermakers.

"I went on all five visits, just looking for the place that felt most like home for one year for me," Pierce told ESPN. "Purdue obviously has an unbelievable program that coach (Matt) Painter has built over the years. When I was on campus, with the coaches and with the guys, it felt like a great place for me. I wanted to be a part of that program.

"Mackey Arena is one of the best venues in college basketball, and I can be part of something special."

The move to West Lafayette, Ind., will put Pierce in close proximity with his brother Alec, a receiver for the Indianapolis Colts.

Pierce was a key cog in 2022-23 when Princeton upset Arizona and Missouri in the NCAA Tournament to reach the Sweet Sixteen as a No. 15 seed. He averaged 8.2 points and 7.3 rebounds that season to win Ivy League Rookie of the Year honors.

The following season, Pierce averaged 16.6 points and 9.2 rebounds and shot a league-best 54.6% from the field while winning top player honors.

Last season, Pierce averaged 11.2 points and 7.2 rebounds. He dealt with an ankle injury and earned second-team All-Ivy honors.

Overall, he scored 1,069 points and collected 710 rebounds in 90 games (89 starts) for the Tigers, who went 66-25 in his three seasons.

He announced his intention to transfer during the summer and formally entered the transfer portal in October.

"It's been a different, unique year. That's the only way to put it," Pierce said. "I've never taken a full year off of competitive basketball. It's been a little bit of an adjustment. I'm still working out, getting all my work in, but it's by myself. I've had limited opportunities to play 5-on-5.

"Being removed from a competitive environment for this long has made me gain a new appreciation for the competitive side of basketball and the camaraderie in the locker room."

--Field Level Media