Lance Jones is making a return to Purdue. The former Boilermaker guard announced his return to Matt Painter’s staff for the 2026-27 college basketball season.
Jones’s Announcement and New Role
Jones announced on Instagram that he will be returning to West Lafayette as a graduate assistant. He wrote, “Clearly representing the black & gold for 1 year wasn’t enough,” in his post. Jones added he was “super grateful” to be returning to Purdue.
Jones was a fan favourite during his time as a player. He played on Purdue’s national runner-up team for the 2023-24 season.
Impact as a Player
Jones transferred to Purdue for the 2023-24 season after four years at Southern Illinois. He averaged 11.7 points in his single season in West Lafayette. He also provided excellent on-ball defence.
Jones helped Purdue achieve a 34-5 record, a Big Ten regular-season championship, and the program’s first trip to the Final Four since 1980. His contributions to the 2023-24 campaign were significant.
Since his playing career ended two years ago, Jones has frequently visited Mackey Arena to support his former teammates and coaching staff. He often receives a loud ovation when he’s shown on the video board.
Painter’s History of Former Players on Staff
Jones joining the staff as a graduate assistant follows a pattern for Painter. He’s had many former players help out the program in previous years.
Several former players who played for Painter are currently on staff. P.J. Thompson is an assistant coach and serves as the team’s “offensive coordinator.” Sasha Stefanovic is also an assistant, drawing up out-of-bounds plays for the Boilermakers.
Two other former players, Isaiah Thompson and Carson Barrett, are also currently graduate assistants at Purdue.
- P.J. Thompson is an assistant coach.
- Sasha Stefanovic is an assistant coach.
- Isaiah Thompson is a graduate assistant.
- Carson Barrett is a graduate assistant.
Painter has provided opportunities to several former players during his time in West Lafayette. Jones will be the most recent Boilermaker to take advantage of that chance.
Purdue is coming off a season in which it finished with a 30-9 record. The Boilermakers won the Big Ten Tournament championship and made a run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament before falling to Arizona.
Although he has continued to be a fixture at Mackey Arena since his departure, fans will certainly be happy to see him back every game.