Mackey Arena is one of the most intimidating environments in college basketball. It is one of the highlights of the sport. So it wouldn't have been too surprising if Gicarri Harris and CJ Cox – two Purdue freshmen who had never done it before observed a game at the historic venue – struggled in their first game in this atmosphere.

Instead, Cox and Harris played like veterans in Wednesday night's exhibition game against Grand Valley State. To use a tired old sports catchphrase, both freshmen seemed “calm, cool and composed.”

Cox finished the night with 15 points, tied with juniors Fletcher Loyer and Trey Kaufman-Renn for a team-high. He also accounted for three assists and two steals. Harris finished the game with 12 points, four rebounds and two steals. The two combined to shoot 8 of 15 from the floor to help Purdue to an easy 99-41 win.

The most impressive numbers from Wednesday night's win? No ball losses in a total of 36 minutes Acton. Regardless of the competition, it is difficult for anyone to survive a game without a turnover.

However, the statistics were almost secondary. Just watching Cox and Harris on the floor, you could tell they were comfortable, almost as if they had been at Mackey Arena for years.

Maybe Wednesday's performance shouldn't seem so impressive. After all, it was an exhibition game against a Grand Valley State team that competes at the Division II level. Is it possible that I'm placing too much emphasis on what I've seen?

Purdue played a benefit game against Creighton in Omaha on Saturday. Neither Cox nor Harris fared as well in this contest, finishing the night with four and two points respectively. To be honest, I expected more of the same on Wednesday.

The transition from high school to college can be difficult. Playing your first home game – in a setting like Mackey Arena – can be overwhelming. I expected these two freshmen to endure more growing pains against Grand Valley State.

That wasn't the case. Instead, both Cox and Harris appear ready to make immediate contributions for the Boilermakers and they won't be intimidated. That's exactly the mentality Purdue needs from its newcomers if it hopes to compete for a third straight Big Ten championship.

Surprising nights from Cox and Harris shouldn't overshadow the fact that both are true rookies. The nervousness will set in. She will make mistakes. Bad nights will happen. It's part of the learning process.

However, the freshmen guards' performances on Wednesday night were a promising sign. Much like Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer in the 2022-23 season, Cox and Harris are ready to step in and help the Boilermakers win right away.

PURDUE-GVSU LIVE BLOG: Purdue will play its final exhibition game on Wednesday, October 30th. Watch the Boilermakers host Grand Valley State in real time. CLICK HERE

PURDUE UPDATES BANNER: Before unveiling its banner for the 2024 Final Four on Monday, November 4, Purdue updated the banners from its previous Final Four trips and the 1932 national championship.CLICK HERE