Boilermakers Country

Mason Gillis on Purdue Reaching the Final Four: 'We Haven't Finished the Job'

Purdue is heading to the Final Four for the first time since 1980. But Boilermakers senior leader and Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year, Mason Gillis, says there's still plenty of work left to be done.

Dustin Schutte

Mar 31, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Mason Gillis (0) celebrates after
Mar 31, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Mason Gillis (0) celebrates after / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Mason Gillis enjoyed every second of helping Purdue reach the Final Four on Sunday. But the senior and the Big Ten's Sixth Man of the Year isn't satisfied by just getting to Phoenix. There's still a lot more for the Boilermakers to accomplish this weekend.

A huge wave of relief washed over the Purdue basketball community on Sunday after the Boilermakers defeated Tennessee 72-66 in the Elite Eight, advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 1980. Although Gillis didn't score in the game, he played a huge role, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out three assists.

Videos and photos of Gillis surfaced shortly after the buzzer sounded at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday. He was overcome with emotion as Purdue accomplished what it set out to do after the disappointing finish to the 2022-23 season.

The senior leader made it clear, though: Purdue isn't done yet.

"We haven't finished the job. The job is to win the national championship," Gillis said in a video posted by Boilers in the Stands. "It's amazing to get to the Final Four. I don't want to ever talk that down, I'm not at all, but we have more work to do.

"The tournament is not over. So, yeah, we can celebrate now and be super happy but tomorrow we're gonna wake up, watch film, stretch, do our rehab ... we'll go in, get our work done, relax and I think we're headed out to Arizona Tuesday."

Purdue is matched up against No. 11 seed North Carolina State, the Cinderella of this year's NCAA Tournament. The Wolfpack had to win five straight games in the ACC Tournament — winning the event and earning an automatic bid — to receive a March Madness bid. N.C. State hasn't slowed down, defeating Texas Tech, Oakland, Marquette and Duke to reach the Final Four.

So far, though, Purdue hasn't been intimidated by anyone. No team has had an answer for Zach Edey, who is averaging 30 points, 16.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He was dominant against Tennessee, scoring 40 points and collecting 16 rebounds in the victory.

Yes, the Boilermakers are excited to be heading out to Phoenix. But Gillis is still focused on the biggest goal: Bringing a national championship back to West Lafayette.

Related stories on Purdue basketball

  • FINAL FOUR OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED: The NCAA has announced the 11 officials who will work the 2024 Final Four. Games are scheduled for Saturday, April 6 and Monday, April 8 in Phoenix. CLICK HERE
  • EDEY, KEADY SHARE MOMENT: After Purdue's 72-66 win over Tennessee in the Elite Eight, Zach Edey cut down a piece of the net for former coach Gene Keady to take. Keady was the leader of the Boilers from 1980-2005, but never reached the Final Four. CLICK HERE
  • WHAT MATT PAINTER SAID: For the first time as a coach, Matt Painter is heading to the Final Four. Here's everything the longtime leader of the Boilermakers said following Purdue's 72-66 win over Tennessee in the Elite Eight. CLICK HERE
  • WHAT ZACH EDEY SAID: Zach Edey was dominant in Purdue's win over Tennessee, scoring 40 points and collecting 16 rebounds. He's cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats in college basketball history. Here's everything he had to say following the win over the Vols. CLICK HERE
  • WHAT LANCE JONES SAID: This season, Lance Jones has provided an athletic spark for Purdue. On Sunday, the senior guard hit a huge shot to help lift the Boilermakers to a win over the Volunteers. Here's what Jones had to say following the game. CLICK HERE
Published
Dustin Schutte

DUSTIN SCHUTTE