Matt Painter added guard and Indianapolis native John Hart to the Boilermakers' lineup for the 2008-09 season.

May 8, 2008

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue men's basketball coaching staff inked one more player for the 2008-09 season.

Beech Grove senior guard John Hart signed as the third incoming player to join the Boilermakers in 2008-09.

"During the last recruiting period, I had numerous coaches telling me that John Hart was a very good player," said Big Ten Coach of the Year Matt Painter. "I stopped by Beech Grove for an open gym and could not believe that someone with this athleticism and skill was available."

Hart was a member of the Indiana Junior All-Star team last season and was named the Marion County Player of the Year as a senior. He averaged 18.9 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists as a senior.

"Purdue is getting an exciting, well-rounded basketball player," said Beech Grove head coach Randy Males. "He shoots the three very well, handles the ball, gets around people and is very athletic. He brings a lot of tools to the floor that really help teams win games."

Hart led Beech Grove to a school record 19-4 mark and a sectional championship.

"When I met with John, I was even more impressed with him as a person," said Painter. "He has the characteristics of the type of person we are trying to attract to Purdue. We're very excited to have him on board for the 2008-09 season."

The Boilermakers return all five starters from a 25-9 team that reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament and finished second in the Big Ten.

Purdue is ranked in the top 15 of most polls forecasting the 2008-09 season.