Purdue's CJ Cox Optimistic About Sweet 16 Return After Knee Injury

Boilermakers guard suffered a hyperextended right knee in win over Miami

Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:20pm

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Purdue sophomore guard CJ Cox was forced to exit the team's NCAA Tournament round of 32 win over Miami due to a right knee injury. However, Cox expressed optimism that he would be ready to play in Purdue's Sweet 16 matchup against Texas, stating he could have returned to the Miami game but trusted his teammates to finish the job. Cox has not yet undergone imaging on the knee, but the Boilermakers are hopeful he will be available for the next round of the tournament.

Why it matters

CJ Cox has been a key contributor for Purdue this season, starting all 36 games and averaging 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. His potential absence would be a significant blow to the Boilermakers' chances of advancing deeper in the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Cox suffered a hyperextended right knee in the second half of Purdue's win over Miami. He did not return to the game, but expressed confidence that he could have done so if needed. The Boilermakers are now awaiting the results of imaging tests on Cox's knee to determine the full extent of the injury and his availability for the Sweet 16 matchup against Texas.

  • On March 19, 2026, CJ Cox was injured in the second half of Purdue's NCAA Tournament round of 32 game against Miami.
  • Purdue is scheduled to play Texas in the Sweet 16 on March 24, 2026.

The players

CJ Cox

A sophomore guard for the Purdue Boilermakers, Cox has been a key starter for the team this season, averaging 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.

Purdue Boilermakers

The men's basketball team from Purdue University, currently competing in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

Texas

Purdue's opponent in the upcoming Sweet 16 matchup of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“I could have gone back in, but I trusted my teammates to get the job done.”

— CJ Cox, Purdue Boilermakers guard

What’s next

Purdue is awaiting the results of imaging tests on CJ Cox's right knee to determine the full extent of the injury and his availability for the team's Sweet 16 matchup against Texas on March 24, 2026.

The takeaway

CJ Cox's potential absence would be a significant blow to Purdue's chances of advancing deeper in the NCAA Tournament, but the Boilermakers are hopeful he will be able to return for the Sweet 16 after suffering a hyperextended knee injury against Miami.