As the NCAA Tournament continues to unfold, Braden Smith and the No. 4 seed Purdue Boilermakers are making headlines for both their impressive play and the remarkable achievements of their star guard. After securing double-digit victories in the first two rounds, Purdue faced a daunting challenge on Friday night against the top-seeded Houston Cougars in the Sweet 16, aiming for a second consecutive trip to the Elite Eight.
Entering this pivotal matchup, Smith had already established himself as a standout player this season, amassing 560 points, 298 assists, and 159 rebounds over 35 games. With 15:07 left in the first half, Smith showcased his playmaking abilities by assisting teammate Fletcher Loyer for a two-point jump shot. This assist marked not only his 300th of the season but also a historic milestone, as Smith became just the second player in NCAA history to record over 500 points, 300 assists, and 150 rebounds in a single season, joining the ranks of former Murray State star Ja Morant.
Morant, who played just two seasons in college, had an outstanding sophomore year in 2018-19, finishing with 808 points, 331 assists, and 188 rebounds. Smith's achievement is particularly impressive given that he is also the first player in Big Ten history to record over 300 assists in a single season. He broke the previous Big Ten record of 292 assists, which he set during the 2023-24 season. The next closest player in this category is Cassius Winston, who recorded 291 assists in 2018-19.
Purdue Men's Basketball celebrated Smith's accomplishments on social media, posting, "3️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ assists. 👉 2nd player in NCAA history with 500 points, 300 assists, 150 rebounds (Ja Morant). 👉 First player in Big Ten history with 300 assists." Smith's contributions have been pivotal for the Boilermakers, especially following the departure of Zach Edey to the NBA in 2024. Since then, Smith has stepped up his game, averaging career-highs of 16.0 points and 8.5 assists this season.
The stakes are high for Purdue as they look to advance to the Midwest Region final, where they would face the No. 2 seed Tennessee Volunteers on Sunday, March 30, 2025. The matchup against Houston not only tests Purdue's resilience but also highlights Smith's growth as a player and leader.
Smith's journey to becoming a basketball star is rooted deeply in his family background. Both of his parents, Ginny and Dustin Smith, played college basketball at Arkansas Tech, where they met. Ginny, who was named Miss Basketball in Arkansas in 1997, has been a coach for over 15 years, while Dustin has been actively involved in youth basketball through the AAU program Grand Park Premier. Braden's upbringing was filled with basketball, as he often attended his mother’s games in a carrier and later participated in practices.
His mother describes the sport as their "love language," and it’s clear that basketball runs in the Smith family. Braden's early exposure to the game, coupled with the support from his parents, shaped him into the player he is today. He earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors this season, averaging 16.0 points, 8.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds.
Despite being listed at 6 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds, Smith's skill set and determination have allowed him to overcome the challenges of being undersized in a sport often dominated by taller players. His recruiting journey was not without hurdles; he received offers from lower-tier programs before finally getting noticed by Purdue. A pivotal moment came when Bruce Parkinson, a former Purdue player and the school's all-time assist leader, advocated for Smith to the coaching staff, highlighting his exceptional passing ability.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith took the opportunity to improve his physical conditioning, gaining nearly 30 pounds of muscle through rigorous training and a high-calorie diet. This transformation helped him stand out when recruitment resumed, ultimately leading to his commitment to Purdue.
As a freshman, Smith quickly made an impact, starting every game and showcasing his exceptional passing skills. He recently became Purdue's all-time assists leader, surpassing Parkinson's long-standing record of 690 assists. This achievement was a testament not only to Smith's talent but also to the faith and support he received from his family and mentors.
Smith's journey has been a remarkable one, filled with dedication, hard work, and a love for the game that has been instilled in him since childhood. As he continues to shine on the national stage during March Madness, the basketball world is taking notice of this talented guard who has defied the odds.
With the Sweet 16 matchup against Houston now behind them, Purdue's focus shifts to the next challenge. The excitement surrounding Smith and the Boilermakers is palpable, and fans are eager to see if they can continue their march toward the championship.
As the tournament progresses, Braden Smith's story serves as an inspiration, illustrating the power of perseverance and the impact of a supportive family. Whether he leads Purdue to victory or not, his legacy as one of college basketball's standout players is already cemented in history.
