LOOK: Purdue Icon Drew Brees Shows Mason Gillis Love During National Championship

Former Purdue quarterback Drew Brees didn't want to miss the basketball program's first Final Four run since 1980. Brees attended both games, but showed up wearing a Mason Gillis jersey during the national championship.

Jan 2, 2023; Orlando, FL, USA; Purdue Boilermakers assistant coach Drew Brees smiles before the game / Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Purdue sixth man Mason Gillis had a special fan in the crowd during Monday night's national championship. Former Boilermakers quarterback Drew Brees sported the senior forward's jersey during the game.

Brees attended both of Purdue's Final Four games, watching his alma mater defeat North Carolina State 63-50 in the semifinal round before falling 75-60 to UConn in the championship. For Monday's game, the Purdue football icon decided to don a No. 0 jersey, complete with Gillis' name on the back.

Drew Brees is in the building. He’s rocking a Mason Gillis jersey. pic.twitter.com/AOdQxTNpR0

— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) April 9, 2024

Gillis played a pivotal role in Purdue's success during the 2023-24 season. He was named the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year, averaging 6.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest.

Gillis did not score in the national championship, but was responsible for four rebounds. He played well in Purdue's Final Four victory over North Carolina State, scoring eight points and collecting four rebounds in the victory.

Unfortunately for Purdue, Brees' support in Phoenix did not result in a national championship. While Zach Edey finished the night with 37 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks, his efforts weren't quite enough for a red-hot UConn team.

Still, it was an incredibly season for the Boilermakers and a year fans will remember for a lifetime. It was awesome to see Brees — as well as so many Purdue fans, alumni and legends — gather in Phoenix for the Final Four.

It was even cooler to see Brees sporting a Gillis jersey during Monday's championship game to show his support for the senior.

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