Purdue's Trey Kaufman-Renn finds rebounding inspiration in Dennis Rodman

Boilermakers forward watches YouTube highlights of NBA legend to spark his own rebounding resurgence

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn has turned to watching Dennis Rodman highlights on YouTube before games to help spark his own rebounding resurgence. After averaging just 3.4 rebounds per game in a recent five-game stretch, Kaufman-Renn has averaged 12.3 rebounds over Purdue's current four-game winning streak, including a career-high 19 boards against Nebraska.

Why it matters

Kaufman-Renn's improved rebounding has been a key factor in Purdue's recent success, as the Boilermakers look to maintain their position near the top of the Big Ten standings. With upcoming games against top rebounding teams like Michigan and Michigan State, Kaufman-Renn's ability to control the glass will be crucial.

The details

Kaufman-Renn said he recently began watching Rodman highlights on his phone before games, trying to emulate the former NBA star's energy and physicality on the boards. The first-team All-Big Ten selection admitted that rebounding requires constant effort, in contrast to the 'easy' scoring he experienced last season. Purdue coach Matt Painter praised Kaufman-Renn's rebounding performance against Nebraska as the team's best of the season.

  • On Tuesday, Kaufman-Renn had a career-high 19 rebounds against Nebraska.
  • In the first half of Saturday's win at Iowa, Kaufman-Renn had 11 rebounds.

The players

Trey Kaufman-Renn

A senior forward for the Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball team who has seen a resurgence in his rebounding numbers after watching YouTube highlights of NBA legend Dennis Rodman.

Dennis Rodman

A former NBA player known for his elite rebounding abilities, winning five NBA championships and leading the league in defensive and offensive rebounding for multiple seasons.

Matt Painter

The head coach of the Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball team, who praised Kaufman-Renn's recent rebounding performances as the team's best of the season.

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What they’re saying

“Rebounding, it just seems every single day, every single time you go out, you have to give it your all. It's just tough.”

— Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue forward (yahoo.com)

“I try to copy a lot — how he moves, how he reacts to the ball. I try to watch him and mimic him.”

— Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue forward (yahoo.com)

“Tuesday's performance against Nebraska — which also included 10 offensive rebounds from Oscar Cluff — the team's best rebounding performance of the season. Kaufman-Renn's early performance on the boards 'really set the tone' for the second ranked win of the week.”

— Matt Painter, Purdue head coach (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Purdue faces a tough upcoming schedule, including games against Big Ten-leading Michigan, which ranks third in the conference in offensive rebounding, and Michigan State, another strong rebounding team. Kaufman-Renn's ability to continue his rebounding resurgence will be crucial for the Boilermakers' success in these key matchups.

The takeaway

Trey Kaufman-Renn's newfound inspiration from watching Dennis Rodman highlights has sparked a remarkable turnaround in his rebounding numbers, which has been a key factor in Purdue's recent winning streak. This creative approach to improving his game shows Kaufman-Renn's dedication to doing whatever it takes to help his team succeed, even if it means emulating one of the NBA's all-time great rebounders.