Sometimes you just know when a chapter is over. For Brian Waddell, that moment didn't come with a flashy press conference or a dramatic fallout. It happened quietly, right after Purdue’s 2024-2025 season ended in a tough Sweet 16 loss to Houston.
He didn't just hop into the portal on a whim. This was a calculated, necessary move for a kid who had given four years to the Boilermaker program but found himself stuck behind a logjam of elite talent.
The Reality of the Brian Waddell Purdue Transfer Portal Decision
Let’s be real: college basketball has changed. You've got the transfer portal turning rosters into revolving doors every March. But Waddell wasn't just another name in the crowd. He was a legacy. His dad, Matt Waddell, played alongside Matt Painter in the 90s. This was home.
The Brian Waddell Purdue transfer portal news broke on March 29, 2025. It was a "graduate transfer" move, which is basically the most respectful way a player can exit. He got his degree. He put in the work. He just wanted to actually, you know, play basketball.
At Purdue, the minutes were drying up. During his final season in West Lafayette, he only saw the floor in nine games. He was averaging 2.0 points. When you’re a 6-foot-7 forward with a high basketball IQ, sitting on the bench is a slow death.
Why Bellarmine?
By April 24, 2025, we had our answer. Waddell announced he was heading to Bellarmine.
💡 You might also like: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
Honestly, it's a perfect fit. Bellarmine plays a very specific, pass-heavy, high-IQ style of basketball under Scott Davenport. It’s "Purdue-lite" in some ways—minus the 7-foot-4 giants. Waddell is a "connector." He’s the guy who makes the right pass, hits the open three, and doesn't blow defensive rotations.
At Bellarmine, he didn't just join the rotation. He became the guy.
How It’s Going: The 2025-2026 Season Update
If you haven't been checking the box scores for the ASUN Conference lately, you're missing out on a complete career resurgence.
As of January 2026, Waddell is a different player. Well, he’s the same player, but with a green light. He has started every single game for the Knights. He’s currently averaging 15.8 points and 4.3 rebounds.
Think about that jump.
📖 Related: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
- Purdue (2024): 2.0 PPG, limited minutes, DNP-CDs (Did Not Play - Coach's Decision).
- Bellarmine (2026): 15.8 PPG, 30.9 minutes, undisputed leader.
He even dropped 25 points against Murray State earlier this season. He’s shooting nearly 65% from the field. That doesn't happen by accident. It happens when a player finally finds a system that values their specific toolkit.
The "What If" Factor
Could he have stayed? Sure. Matt Painter has always spoken highly of him. Painter once said Waddell "just affects winning." But Purdue's roster was getting crowded. With guys like Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer taking up the oxygen, and younger wings like Gicarri Harris and C.J. Cox needing minutes, Waddell was the odd man out.
There was also that hand injury in late 2024. He broke it during an exhibition against Creighton. That set him back right when he needed to make a move for more minutes. In the world of high-major sports, sometimes the universe just tells you it’s time to go.
The Impact on Purdue’s Roster
When Waddell hit the portal, he wasn't alone. Will Berg, Camden Heide, and Myles Colvin all followed suit. It was a rare mass exodus for a Painter-led team.
But it wasn't a "fire the coach" type of situation. It was more about the math. Purdue needed to clear spots for guys like Oscar Cluff and Liam Murphy. They needed a different look.
👉 See also: Buddy Hield Sacramento Kings: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
Waddell leaving was the first domino. It signaled that the "old guard" of deep bench depth was moving on to find starting roles elsewhere. It's the new normal. You can't be mad at a kid for wanting to be "The Man" in his final year of eligibility.
What This Means for Future Transfers
The Brian Waddell Purdue transfer portal saga is a case study in how to do it right.
- Graduate First: He finished his degree, making him immediately eligible and keeping his academic standing high.
- Target the System: He didn't just go to the biggest school that called. He went to a school (Bellarmine) that fits his skill set.
- No Bridges Burned: There was no Twitter drama. No "sources" leaking frustration. Just a handshake and a "thank you."
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're following the portal or scouting players, here’s what you should take away from Waddell's journey:
- Look at the "Connector" Stats: Don't just look at PPG. Look at shooting percentages and assist-to-turnover ratios. Waddell’s 64.4% FG percentage at Bellarmine proves he was always this efficient; he just didn't have the volume at Purdue.
- Injury Timing Matters: That broken hand in November 2024 was the secret ending to his Purdue career. If he stays healthy that month, maybe he carves out a niche.
- ASUN is a Talent Goldmine: High-major bench players moving to the ASUN or the MVC often become All-Conference performers overnight.
Brian Waddell is currently playing the best basketball of his life. He’s healthy, he’s starting, and he’s proving that he was always a Division I starter—he just happened to be sitting behind some of the best players in the country for a few years.
Keep an eye on Bellarmine as they head into the heart of conference play. Waddell is a legitimate candidate for ASUN Newcomer of the Year. It’s a reminder that the portal isn't just about "quitting"—sometimes it’s about finally getting started.
Next Steps for Following Brian Waddell:
- Monitor Bellarmine’s Schedule: The Knights have a crucial stretch of home games in late January where Waddell's efficiency will be tested against more athletic defenders.
- Check the ASUN Leaderboards: Watch for his FG% to stay in the top 5 of the conference; it’s his most impressive stat this season.
- Watch the 2026 Grad Transfer Market: Programs looking for the "next Waddell" will be scouting high-major benches for high-IQ, low-minute seniors who are ready to explode in a mid-major system.