For the first time in 55 years, Purdue men's basketball is playing in the NCAA Championship.
The Boilermakers have long struggled to live up to expectations when the calendar turns to March. The Indiana-based program has found itself consistently among the top-ranked teams participating in the NCAA Tournament; however, it has often found itself to be the butt of jokes made by diehard hoops fans.
The taunts have been justified, especially in recent seasons. The Boilermakers have lost to a double-digit seed the past three years, including a stunning first-round loss to No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson in 2023 and a Sweet 16 exit at the hands of No. 15 seed Saint Peter's in 2022.
However, 2024 has been a turning of the tide for Matt Painter and his crew. With the towering Zach Edey at the helm of the Boilermakers, Purdue is playing for a national championship for the first time since 1969.
How has Purdue performed historically at the Final Four and what is its championship history? The Sporting News has the details:
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Purdue men's basketball championship history
Has Purdue ever won a national championship?
Purdue has never won a national championship in men's basketball.
Despite the fact that the Boilermakers' program has been around for over 100 years, the team has yet to bring a national title back to West Lafayette.
The Boilermakers have blossomed into one of the most consistent programs over the last decade-plus thanks to the leadership of Painter. However, until this year, the team has been known for falling short of expectations come tournament time. Since the 2016 edition of March Madness, Purdue has been a No. 5 seed or higher every single tournament; however, the Boilermakers have nothing to show for it.
When was Purdue's last national championship appearance?
The last time Purdue was playing for a national championship was back in 1969.
Under George King, the Boilermakers put together the program's first season with 20 or more wins, going 23-5 and winning their first conference title in 29 years. However, the team was bested by former Purdue great John Wooden and his UCLA crew in the national championship.
It is the only time that Purdue has played in the national championship in men's basketball.
DeCOURCY: Zach Edey made decades of disappointment disappear for the Boilermakers
When was Purdue's last Final Four appearance?
Purdue's appearance at the 2024 Final Four marks the program's third in its history.
The last time the Boilermakers were one of the last four basketball teams standing was over 40 years ago, back in 1980. Purdue advanced all the way to the Final Four that year before falling once again to UCLA.
The other Final Four appearance for Purdue was in the previously mentioned 1969 season.
| Season | Result | Score of Final Loss |
| 1969 | Lost in National Championship | 92–72 vs. UCLA |
| 1980 | Lost in Final Four | 67-62 vs. UCLA |
| 2024 | Won in Final Four | TBD |
