It’s no secret that three-point shooting is the name of the game in the NBA. That’s what makes Purdue’s Fletcher Loyer stand out as a possible 2026 NBA Draft prospect. A four-year player for the Boilermakers, he more than proved himself during his time at the collegiate level. He proved to be one of the best three-point shooters not only in the Big Ten, but in the country.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Loyer a worthy 2026 NBA Draft prospect.
Fletcher Loyer 2026 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
Loyer has basketball in his blood, coming from a family that has long been known around the game. The younger brother of former Michigan State and Davidson standout Foster Loyer, Fletcher looked to carve his own path for Matt Painter and the Purdue Boilermakers. He stepped into a massive role the minute he arrived in West Lafayette.
He started and played all 35 games for Purdue during his freshman season in 2022-23. It was a very respectable debut season, as he finished with an average of 11 points per game, while also dishing out two assists per game. It was that season that he first started to showcase his three-point shot. He had two very memorable games as a freshman; the first came against Nebraska as he scored 27 points, while making six threes. He followed it up with a massive 17-point game on the road, at his brother’s old team, Michigan State.
That led to a huge sophomore season in 2023-24, as he was a key cog alongside Braden Smith and center Zach Edey, as the Boilermakers made a run to the National Championship Game. He once again played and started all the games for Purdue, alongside Smith. His scoring total wasn’t quite as high as his freshman season, but the three-point percentage was impressive at 44 percent. His no-show in the Championship Game kind of put a damper on the end of that season for Loyer.
Regardless, he continued to showcase his toughness and durability, as he would play and start every game he ever played in the Boilermaker uniform. His scoring numbers continued to grow as he averaged 13.8 points during his junior season in 2024-25. The team as a whole took a step back, but Loyer continued to grow. It led to his really strong senior campaign, when he finished as a 14.8 point-per-game scorer, while also finishing first in the Big Ten in three-point shooting.
Strengths
Offense
As previously stated, Loyer has always been a three-point specialist, and that’s what could make him a legit NBA player. He finished as the all-time leader in Purdue history for made threes. He made 309 three-pointers during his four-year career with the Boilermakers. He’s not just a shooter; he’s a true sharpshooter with very deep range. Not only does he have great size at six-foot-five, which will allow him to make tough knockdown shots, but he can also get to the basket.
He can space the floor well and doesn’t have to have the ball to set himself up. When paired with an elite ball handler, he will thrive. His catch-and-shoot ability is special. Not to mention his great quick release. Proved to be one of the best pure shooters in college basketball. A career 84 percent free-throw shooter, and wasn’t afraid to try and convert on four-point opportunities. Clutch shooting allowed him to always be a threat in every game.
Very Durable, and can play big minutes, after starting and playing all 149 of his career games at Purdue.
Defense
Loyer isn’t going to overpower players on the defensive end of the floor. However, he can be a pest and doesn’t back down against offensive players who have a size advantage. He isn’t an over-happy fouler, which is why he was able to see the floor so much early in his career. Has great basketball IQ, which allows him to be in the right place at the right time.
Loyer’s height and on-court IQ give him a chance to expand his game on the defensive side of the ball at the pro level. A good leader who can bring energy to both ends of the floor.
Weaknesses
Offense
Not going to be a go-to scorer inside the three-point line. In fact, his versatility is going to be limited because Loyer isn’t a primary ball handler. He has the potential to be more, but likely translates as a three-point specialist.
For his shooting ability, Loyer has proven he can disappear in big moments. For example, in Purdue’s Runner-Up Finish to UConn in 2024, he was a complete disaster. He went 0-5 from the field and only took one shot from deep. That cannot happen if he wants a shot as a key piece on an NBA roster.
Defense
Loyer will need to add some strength to go along with his length if he wants to be more than just a role player and sharpshooter. Cannot be counted on to steal or block shots. He’s going to have to find his role overall. Not going to be able to guard multiple positions, and will likely struggle against stronger guards. It isn’t a make-or-break for him, given his offensive skill set, but don’t expect him to become an all-defensive player.
NBA Comparison
His three-point shooting ability compares nicely to a handful of players from the NBA. Just think of the Boston Celtics’ Derrick White. Loyer and white share similar aspects from their quick releases to their ability to make shots from beyond the standard three-point line. He is far more limited defensively compared to White, but the three-point shooting is on point. Another good comp would be the Pacers’ TJ McConnell. Loyer’s shooting ability gives him a shot to at least compete for a roster spot, especially if he lands in the right place.
2026 NBA Draft Projection
Potential 2nd Round Pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
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