It's only been two exhibition games, but freshman guard CJ Cox is getting plenty of minutes for a Purdue team that reached the National Championship Game last season. It's hard to believe that Matt Painter was the only senior coach in college basketball to recruit the 6-foot-1 guard from Massachusetts, right?

Maybe it actually isn't. Painter has proven time and time again that finding the right pieces isn't always a hindrance to star ratings and recruiting rankings. Cox is the most recent example.

On Wednesday night, Cox scored 15 points in Purdue's 99-41 exhibition win over Grand Valley State. He tied the team high of the night with Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn. It was an impressive feat for a rookie who had never even seen a game at Mackey Arena.

After Purdue's final exhibition game, Painter was asked how Cox – an under-recruited guard – found his way to West Lafayette.

“I was recruiting another kid and he happened to be playing against him in the last game of the summer,” Painter said. “I saw him, then I met everyone and just started talking. I got the Hudl password from his prep school coach and watched six, seven, eight games. Then I started looking into his background and personality.”

“Everyone said the same thing about him: stubborn, persistent, education is important. We beat out two or three Ivy League schools for him.”

Cox received 15 offers out of high school, none from a major conference program. But Painter saw enough in a handful of games to make an offer.

Yes, it's only been two friendlies, but Cox has already seen a lot of time on the floor. He blocked jump shots confidently and played well on defense.

Painter said he was impressed not only with his skills but also with Cox's attitude. This stood out as I watched the guard at an AAU game during the recruiting process.

“After the game was over, everyone on the team hugged him. So I thought, 'What the hell are we doing hugging anyone after an AAU game in July?'” Painter said. “So I immediately called (his coach) and said, ‘What’s going on? He said: 'He's the greatest boy ever. We love him.'”

It's still early in his career, but Cox is already making an impact in West Lafayette. He will be the latest under-recruited freshman to make a splash for one of college basketball's top programs. This is just further evidence that Painter doesn't care about those star ratings in the recruiting process.

“He’s not ranked and only gets offers from the Ivy League, and it doesn’t matter,” he said. “It doesn’t matter being on the rankings. It doesn't matter who recruits you. (He) fits. It's about winning basketball. It's about being with someone who wants to get his education at Purdue, play at a high level and compete.” “

“He just came in and worked. He's one of those people who carries a big stick and keeps his mouth shut. You can’t have enough of guys like that.”

Freshmen HARRIS, COX SHINE VS GVSU: Gicarri Harris and CJ Cox had never played or seen a game at Mackey Arena before Wednesday night. The Purdue freshmen are already feeling comfortable in their new home. CLICK HERE