WEST LAFAYETTE − For two years, Aaron Fine spent practices going head-to-head with first-team All-American point guard Braden Smith.
Now the Purdue basketball walk-on is exploring his options elsewhere.
Fine confirmed he’s entered the transfer portal, while keeping the option open of returning to Purdue. He has three years of eligibility remaining.
After redshirting the 2024-25 season, Fine played nine games this season, scoring in six of them and shooting 50%.
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He was an Indiana All-Star in 2024 after averaging 17.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and shooting 52%, including 41% from 3-point range, as a senior at Noblesville.
Fine has shown himself a capable Division I guard. Despite the graduation of Smith, a returning Omer Mayer, Gicarri Harris, CJ Cox and Antione West, along with adding incoming freshman Luke Ertel likely would limit Fine’s opportunities next season.
Aaron Fine finishes a layup in the final minute of the game during the second half of Purdue’s game against IU on Feb. 20, 2026 at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, IN.
All have at least two years of eligibility remaining.
Mayer’s camp already confirmed he will be a Boilermaker next season, confirming what Mayer said after an Elite 8 loss to Arizona. As of Tuesday afternoon, the first day players can officially go into the transfer portal, Purdue has no others who have entered.
A return to Purdue would probably put him in a similar role as a valuable scout team player next season. Fine cited earlier this season he redshirted as a walk-on freshman seeking long term gain, similar to one Grady Eifert experienced at Purdue, becoming a starter as a senior for a team that went to the Elite 8.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue basketball walk-on Aaron Fine enters transfer portal