Purdue coach Matt Painter hits back at mid-major 'bozos' complaining about scheduling
Purdue coach Matt Painter pushed back on mid-major critics who claim Power Five programs donât schedule strong non-conference foes, saying such claims overlook the regular practice of playing mid-majors and the NET systemâs influence on scheduling. He argued that top programs routinely face competitive mid-majors and that avoiding them would hurt long-term seeding and evaluation. The debate has been sparked by comments from Miami (Ohio)âs Travis Steele and High Pointâs Flynn Clayman, who warned that big programs must play mid-majors early in the season. Painter framed the scheduling issue as a strategic, institution-driven choice tied to NCAA tournament access. The discussion follows Queens Universityâs first-round upset, highlighting ongoing tensions over non-conference scheduling norms.
Dive Deeper:
Purdue defeated Queens University 108-74 in the NCAA Tournament first round, a result described in coverage that framed Painterâs comments in the immediate postgame context.
Painter accused mid-major coaches, notably Travis Steele and Flynn Clayman, of claiming that high majors wonât schedule them, labeling such views as a back-handed compliment and arguing that those programs do participate against mid-majors.
He cited examples within their own leagueâAkron, Kent State, and Toledoâas teams that have been tested by high-major opponents, arguing that Purdueâs schedule has included multiple mid-major games this season.
Regarding NET rankings, Painter suggested that Power Five schools would be harmed by scheduling too many mid-majors and asserted that those rankings, not coachesâ preferences, drive scheduling decisions.
Claymanâs postgame remarks after an upset of Wisconsin were noted as a catalyst for Painterâs response, with critics arguing that high-majors should face mid-major programs earlier in the season.