John, Dru Anthrop share Purdue history

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - John Anthrop played multiple sports in high school at Central Catholic. He was a solid basketball and baseball player and ended up playing both of those sports at Purdue. He saw limited time on the basketball court but when he entered the game, his defense is always what shined.

"He was always our hero at home," said John's son Danny Anthrop. "We could always tell our friends that our dad played at Purdue in both baseball and basketball. He always told stories of being fouled by Magic Johnson or throwing an alley-oop to Joe Barry Carroll. "

"It's always neat how when I meet people out they tell me that they used to come and watch my dad play," said John's son Dru Anthrop.

While playing basketball for the Boilers, John earned a Big Ten championship ring. He was also part of the last Purdue team to reach the final four. John's son, Dru, has followed in his father's footsteps. He is a current member of Purdue's basketball team. He also claimed a Big Ten championship ring with the Boilers, making them the only father son duo in Purdue history with Big Ten title rings.

"It's really special," said Dru. "It is just one more thing that we have in common and we can take with us for the rest of our lives and we will remember that and we will cherish."

"I think it is a lot of fun being apart of Purdue trivia like that," said John. "We were both fortunate enough to be on great teams at the time. I really am more excited and happy for Dru that he was able to win a Big Ten Championship and get that nice ring that he has got."

John is now an assistant coach for Central Catholic's boys basketball team. He and his oldest son, Jade, both help coach the Knights, which includes the youngest of the Anthrops, Jackson.  And who knows, maybe Jackson will claim a Big Ten title ring someday as well.