Nathan Baird

nbaird@jconline.com

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — While Purdue basketball's roster retains some degree of uncertainty, the coaching staff is again complete.

The Boilermakers on Thursday announced the hire of Creighton's Steve Lutz as the third assistant under Matt Painter. Lutz succeeds Jack Owens, who left earlier this month to become the head coach at Miami of Ohio.

Lutz, 44, has spent 23 years in college coaching, including the past seven seasons at Creighton. Prior to that, Lutz coached at SMU (2006-10), Stephen F. Austin (2000-06), Garden City Community College (1999-2000) and Incarnate Word (1995-99).

Lutz helped Creighton coach Greg McDermott's teams compile a 166-82 record since 2010, including four NCAA tournament appearances.

"Steve has a passion and energy for this profession and a track record of success both in recruiting and on the court," Painter said in a news release. "He has worked for a great person and coach in Greg McDermott and helped them achieve great success at Creighton. We’re looking forward to his arrival in West Lafayette and for him to start working with our guys and hitting the recruiting trail.”

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Lutz was McDermott's first hire onto his Creighton staff in 2010. During that period the Bluejays transitioned from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Big East Conference, twice appearing in that league's tournament championship game.

Creighton opened last season 13-0 and reached as high as No. 7 in the Associated Press poll. The Bluejays were 18-1 when star point guard Maurice Watson suffered a season-ending knee injury.

"I have always had respect for coach Painter and Purdue University and was thrilled when he offered me the opportunity to join his staff," Lutz said in the release. "When you think of Purdue basketball from the outside, you immediately think of the culture, family and toughness that it represents. There is an incredible passion to be successful here and that is evident by how the fanbase, the administration and the coaching staff approaches everything they do.

"This is a great opportunity for myself and my family and I am ready to help Purdue basketball win a national title. I’m excited to dig in and get to work."

Lutz has developed a strong recruiting reputation. He helped land center Justin Patton, who recently declared for the NBA Draft after winning Big East Freshman of the Year. Creighton's incoming recruiting class is ranked 24th by Rivals and 35th by ESPN.

Lutz also helped develop 2014 National Player of the Year Doug McDermott, currently in his third NBA season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"Steve's been an integral part of our program's success in the last seven years, and we thank him for his work within our program both on and off the court," McDermott said in a Creighton news release. "We wish him and his family all the best as they move on to Purdue."

Lutz played one season at Ranger Junior College before playing three seasons as Texas Lutheran.

Greg Gary and Brandon Brantley are Painter's other two assistant coaches. This is the first change to Painter's staff since Brantley joined in 2013.

Reach Journal & Courier Purdue basketball reporter Nathan Baird at 765-420-5234.