Purdue, Davidson matchup provides unique opportunity for Loyer brothers

INDIANAPOLIS — The basketball influences came from all over.

But early, like with most kids, it generated from some of the most recognizable names in the NBA.

Allen Iverson, at the time one of the best players in the league. Kyle Korver, at the time one of the best shooters. Andre Iguodala, one of the NBA's most notable dunkers and defenders.

It just so happened for Foster and Fletcher Loyer they were in practice rebounding for those guys and tossing the ball back to their idols. They were ball-boys with an all-access pass to the Philadelphia 76ers during their formative years because that was one of four NBA stops in their father's coaching career.

Basketball has always bonded the Loyer brothers, but never like it will Saturday in Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Foster Loyer is Davidson's leading scorer and best player. Fletcher Loyer is Purdue's second-leading scorer who looks like anything but a freshman with just 10 career college games, something that even impresses his older brother.

On Saturday, for the first time, the brothers — with a five-year age gap between them — will play against one another.

"Only time we’ve every really played against each other is open gyms or in the backyard or something," Fletcher said. "We never got to play with each other either with him being older than me."

It was always Foster who molded his younger brother into becoming a budding basketball star.

Fletcher watched as his brother dominated in high school en route to winning Michigan's Mr. Basketball award. He was along the ride for college visits and in the stands while Foster suited up for Michigan State, where he played three seasons and was a team captain before transferring to Davidson for the 2021-22 season.

When the 2022-23 schedule came out, and with Fletcher now a freshman at Purdue, both knew which game they were most eager to play.

"When they started telling us this was a possibility and we saw it get marked on the schedule, it was one I’ve had circled because of how special of a moment that is," Foster said. "I’ve never gotten to truly play with or against my brother. I think that’s going to be something special I’ll remember for the rest of my life."

Sure, they had backyard spats going 1-on-1 and competed with and against each other in those open gyms, but this time there will be referees and a national television audience.

And because of that, there are no fuzzy feelings once the ball is tipped.

Fletcher Loyer already has shared secrets with his Purdue teammates on how to take away Foster's strengths, of which there are many, evidenced by a 38-point game last month against Wright State.

"A guy like that, he’s going to make some shots. You just want him to make some tough ones and you want him to not get easy rhythm 3s. …," Purdue coach Matt Painter said. "Guys like that you just have to limit to the best of your ability. They’re going to find their way and score the ball some, but you just hope he doesn’t have one of those nights like he did against Wright State."

There will come a game where Fletcher Loyer, who has not shot the ball to his ability yet, will do the same.

Foster Loyer knows it, and he spent three years at Michigan State, along with this week, preparing for exactly that. In the past it was for players like Ryan Cline and Sasha Stefanovic. Now, it just so happens to be his brother, who is of the same mold, according to Foster.

"I know that when we step on the court, there’s going to be a lot of emotions," Foster said. "There’s a lot of emotions leading up to the game. But once that jump ball goes up, he’s my opponent. He’s who I am trying to go out there and beat. There’s not going to be anything held back on my end and I expect him to do the same. It’s going to be a battle from the tip to the horn."

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue, Davidson game provides unique opportunity for Loyer brothers