Podcast Episode 138 – P.J. Thompson

SUMMARY 

“This Is Purdue,” the official podcast for Purdue University, highlights stories about Boilermakers from across all disciplines, who through research, innovation and determination, have persistently pursued their next giant leap. 

Hosted by Purdue University alum, Brian Lamb School of Communication graduate, and Indiana native Kate Young, “This Is Purdue” aims to examine all of the incredible accomplishments of Boilermakers and their contributions to the world. 

Below, you’ll find helpful information, stories, and social media content regarding this episode of “This Is Purdue.” 

STRATEGY 

In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to P.J. Thompson, assistant coach for Purdue men’s basketball. 

During his time at Purdue, P.J. (BS organizational leadership ’18), was a three-year starter on the team and helped the Boilermakers win the 2017 Big Ten Championship. Since then, he has been part of the coaching staff — helping lead the team to Purdue’s first No. 1 ranking and the 2024 NCAA Division I men’s basketball national championship game. 

In this episode you will: 

• Hear P.J.’s lessons in leadership from his first five years coaching at Purdue, especially what he has learned from head coach Matt Painter and the legendary former head coach Gene Keady 

• Learn about the unique culture of education, loyalty and family that brought the team to play in a national championship game — and helps recruit and retain some of the best players in the country 

• Discover P.J.’s focus as offensive coordinator when coaching Purdue-turned-NBA players like Zach Edey and Jaden Ivey, and current stars Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn 

• Find out what qualities Purdue looks for when it comes to recruiting young talent 

• Hear how Purdue navigates name, image, likeness in today’s modern college basketball landscape 

• Get excited for the 2025-26 men’s basketball season as P.J. shares what he is looking forward to most this season and beyond 

• Learn what P.J. wants people to know about Coach Painter and this legendary era of Purdue men’s basketball 

Don’t miss this episode celebrating the successes of Purdue basketball on and off the court! 

RESOURCES INCLUDE:

·       Links to the podcast 

·       Social graphics 

·       Suggested social post copy 

LINKS and UTM PARAMETERS

When linking to Purdue websites from social platforms or emails, we recommend that you add UTM parameters to the URL in order to provide reporting on the activity. The Marketing and Communications campaign URL builder allows you to easily configure these links and even request shortened Purdue-branded links. 

UTM campaign: this_is_purdue_pj_thompson 

UTM medium: Social (or email)  

UTM source: Facebook, X LinkedIn, Instagram (or email newsletter name) 

Link to the podcast: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/pj-thompson 

General podcast page: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/ 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-purdue/id1496040232 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1npQBIaTzFnCvDlzeiNV7j?si=h0K1NkdwTMeu-MlzckGaHw 

AVAILABLE ASSETS

The following assets are available for download and use. Social assets include files for Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Instagram Stories.

SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE POSTING TIPS 

Digital engagement is a powerful platform to share Purdue stories and posts with past, present and future Boilermakers. Here are some tips to help your posts shine: 

·       Keep posts short and direct 

·       Link all posts back to our landing page 

·       Include photos, videos or GIFs 

·       Use short URLs 

SUGGESTED SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS

Facebook: 

• As we approach the 2025-26 college basketball season, heads are turning toward #Purdue. In this new age of college basketball and navigating NIL, what makes @BoilerBall stand out? It comes down to leadership, culture and the #Boilermaker spirit. @PurdueSports men’s basketball assistant coach P.J. Thompson joins the official university podcast, #ThisIsPurdue, for a look into this winning mindset. He discusses the life-changing lessons he’s learned from head coach Matt Painter as both a former player and a current coach. He also shares insights on how the team recruits and retains talent and what he’s looking forward to most this upcoming season. You don’t want to miss this one! Listen to his full #podcast episode now: <link> 

• On the official university podcast, #ThisIsPurdue, @BoilerBall assistant coach P.J. Thompson discusses the mentality the team is bringing into this season and beyond. From his time as a #Boilermaker player to his role leading offense on today’s team, he’s focused on making #Purdue basketball and @PurdueSports stronger every day. 🎧 Listen to his full episode now to hear more: <link> 

• So many former #Boilermakers — including @BoilerBall assistant coach P.J. Thompson — return to Purdue after their playing days. Why? Because of the house head coach Matt Painter has built. 🏀 This year, Coach Painter was honored with the @PurdueAlumniAssociation Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Meritorious Service — the first recipient of the prestigious award in 26 years. Listen to Coach Thompson’s full #ThisIsPurdue podcast episode to hear how Coach Painter and the @PurdueSports culture create success beyond basketball: <link> 

• The NIL era may have reshaped college basketball, but @BoilerBall’s focus remains the same — education, development and doing things the right way. 💛🖤 On the #ThisIsPurdue podcast, Purdue men’s basketball assistant coach P.J. Thompson talks about what makes @PurdueSports men’s basketball stand out and why those values lead to becoming one of the best programs in the nation: <link> 

LinkedIn:  

• On our latest #ThisIsPurdue podcast, @Purdue-Sports men’s basketball assistant coach P.J. Thompson shares the greatest lessons in leadership, loyalty and success that he has learned under head coach Matt Painter as both a player and coach for #Boilermaker basketball. <link> 

• Strong programs are built by leaders who never stop improving. @Purdue-Sports men’s basketball assistant coach P.J. Thompson reflects on how his journey from Purdue player to coach has shaped his approach to leadership and excellence. Hear the full conversation today: <link> 

• In an era of rapidly changing collegiate sports, Purdue men’s basketball has stuck to the core principles that drive success. @Purdue-Sports men’s basketball assistant coach P.J. Thompson credits the leadership of Matt Painter for the dedication and results of this unique, winning mindset. The Purdue Alumni Association recognized Coach Painter’s history-making leadership by honoring him with the Distinguished Alumni Award for Meritorious Service. He’s the first recipient of this award since 1999, joining the ranks of other iconic #Boilermakers like Neil Armstrong. On the #ThisIsPurdue podcast, hear more from Coach Thompson on Matt Painter and Purdue’s unique culture that keeps players and coaches wanting to stay, grow and return long after they take off the jersey. Listen today: <link> 

• The world of college sports is constantly changing. But in this new era of college basketball, @Purdue-Sports men’s basketball has continued to see success and loyalty within their team both on and off the court. On the #ThisIsPurdue podcast, assistant coach P.J. Thompson discusses how the program helps young men grow into leaders ready to succeed — whether it’s in the @national-basketball-association, business or life after basketball. Listen today: <link> 

IG: 

• Purdue men’s basketball isn’t just a program — it’s the standard. 🏀 On #ThisIsPurdue, assistant coach P.J. Thompson shares how he’s helping keep that standard high this season and beyond. Listen now at the 🔗 in the bio or on your favorite podcast app.  

X: 

• On our latest #ThisIsPurdue episode, @BoilerBall assistant coach @pj_thompson11 joins the official university #podcast to talk about leadership, loyalty and this unforgettable era of #Purdue men’s basketball. 🏀 <link> 

• .@BoilerBall assistant coach @pj_thompson11 joins #ThisIsPurdue to talk about his journey from player to coach, @PurdueSports basketball culture and what being a #Boilermaker means to him. Listen now: <link> 

• On the #ThisIsPurdue podcast, @BoilerBall assistant coach @pj_thompson11 shares how he’s helping @CoachPainter shape the future of #Purdue basketball. Listen today: <link> @PurdueSports 

• Even as college basketball evolves, @BoilerBall’s core stays strong. On #ThisIsPurdue, #Purdue men’s basketball assistant coach @PJ_Thompson11 shares how @CoachPainter’s leadership keeps the @PurdueSports program grounded and elite. 🎧 Listen now: <link> 

• College sports are changing — but @BoilerBall’s priorities haven’t. On the #ThisIsPurdue podcast, assistant coach @pj_thompson11 shares how staying true to education and family keeps the @PurdueSports program strong. 💛🖤 Listen to his full interview today: <link> 

TAGGING RECOMMENDATIONS 

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X: @lifeatpurdue 
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Other tagging options include: 

@BoilerBall 

@pj_thompson11 

@PurdueSports 

@CoachPainter 

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