WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Caleb "Biggie" Swanigan, one of the top players in the history of Purdue’s basketball program, has died. Swanigan was 25.
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Fort Wayne, Indiana, TV station, WANE, said the Allen County Corner’s Office confirmed Swanigan died of natural causes.
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"The Purdue basketball family is deeply saddened and devastated at the loss of Caleb Swanigan," coach Matt Painter said in a statement released by the school.
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"Caleb was a very thoughtful individual and a gentle soul who excelled both on and off the court.
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He made a huge difference in everyone’s lives that he touched and he will be greatly missed."
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Swanigan, who battled weight issues and was homeless as a child before being adopted, came to Purdue in 2015 after being named Indiana Mr. Basketball.
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He played two seasons with the Boilermakers and was a consensus first-team All-American, earning the Big Ten Player of the Year honor in 2017.
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Although he was at Purdue for two years, Swanigan received his diploma in Educational History.
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Following his college career, Swanigan played two seasons in Portland, appearing in 45 games after being drafted No. 26th
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He was traded to the Sacramento Kings in 2019, making 10 appearances, before Portland re-acquired him in early 2020.