Daniel Jacobsen joins Chase Chats 🎙️

7 footers and Purdue— have we read this chapter before? The 2024 class is one of the most anticipated classes in Boilermaker basketball history and 7 foot 3 Center, Daniel Jacobsen has a lot to do with that. I had the chance to sit down with Jacobsen, hear his basketball story, and why he is so excited to join the long line of big man at Purdue.

The big man committed back in November, after taking visits to Wisconsin, Minnesota and Purdue. Why Purdue? “Just looking at the success of their big men, and the usage of the bigs within their program. Coach Brantley had a lot to do with my commitment and with how he has developed bigs there.” In recent years— we’ve seen the likes of AJ Hammons, Isaac Haas, Matt Haarms, and of course, the two time NPOY Zach Edey. Jacobsen is joining after a stint with Brewster academy, a prep school that has produced 25 NBA players. Jacobsen feels the move to Brewster helped his exposure to big time programs and allowed him to compete on the biggest circuits against the best talent.

Jacobsen has a completely different style of big man play that we have seen in recent years. Jacobsen is able to stretch the floor, shoot the three point shot at a high clip and run the floor for open court slams. Purdue is coming off their first Final Four appearance since 1980. “I really enjoyed watching the final four run, supporting Zach and the guys. Now we want to get to work and know what the standard is.” Jacobsen said. The Boilers have a 6 man class coming in which is rare in today’s college basketball portal era. The difference is Purdue, the culture, chemistry, role definition and understanding expectations. Jacobsen, and this class seem connected and ready for the next challenge.

When asked, “why does your game translate to the Big Ten?” Jacobsen stated, “because I’ve played the best talent, put the work in and I’m able to play on the perimeter at my size.” As I mentioned, being 7 foot 3 while being able to shoot the 3 is tremendous, but to me, it’s Daniel’s ability to defend without fouling and alter shots. He is an elite rim protecter and that’s a big reason I believe he can play early in his career. Purdue returns a huge portion of their core— including an upperclassman back court, elite athletic wing play, a supreme offensive talent in TKR — and now, one of the best classes in school history. The golden era.

“We are really close, and connected” Jacobsen said when discussing this 2024 class. A class of Kanon Catchings, Gicarri Harris, Raleigh Burgess, Cj Cox, Jack Benter and Jacobsen. Just talking with Daniel, it was quick to pick up how intelligent and sharp the kid is. He understands basketball, he has to put in the work and is excited to get to campus. He is graduating at the end of May, and will be moved onto campus by early June for workouts— where he will begin his Purdue career and is considering a business major.

While we just enjoyed one of the greatest Purdue basketball seasons ever— I beleive the best is yet to come. With players joining, like Jacobsen, I truly believe this is the golden era of Boilermaker hoops. Coach Painter & staff have recruited great families, developed talent and have reaped the rewards. Jacobsen mentioned, “it felt like a family— the atmosphere. It’s where I wanted to go. Coach Brantley played a major role in my decision.” We’ve heard that a few times over the last handful of years, and it’s clear the entire staff is making a strong impact in the recruiting process.

Welcome the Super Six to Purdue— a team coming off of back to back Big Ten Championships and the Monday night in April. Kids like Jacobsen, in the incoming class, are something to be excited about. I stand by what I said, everyone was right saying Purdue wouldn’t make a final four — because they are going to make several in the coming years.

Continue to build, believe and let’s get back to the biggest stage.

Thank you to Daniel for joining— cannot wait for more upcoming blogs on the channel.

Chase Chats 🎙️