Braden Smith of Purdue University is on the verge of breaking a significant NCAA career record after a standout performance in the Big Ten Tournament final. He is now just one assist shy of the all-time record held by Bobby Hurley of Duke, following his pivotal role in leading No. 18 Purdue to an 80-72 victory over No. 3 Michigan on March 10, 2024. Smith’s accomplishment comes as he earned the title of Most Outstanding Player in the tournament.
Despite a challenging start, where he expressed frustration by tearing his jersey, Smith rebounded to finish the game with 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting. His previous three games had seen him struggle, going a combined 4 for 23 against Northwestern, Nebraska, and UCLA. Smith’s performance included 11 assists, bringing his career total to 1,075 assists, just one shy of Hurley’s record of 1,076 established during his collegiate career from 1989 to 1993.
Historic Achievements and Team Success
Smith’s contributions were crucial for Purdue as they secured their first Big Ten Tournament title since 2020. With just over six minutes remaining in the game, he assisted Trey Kaufman-Renn on a floater that extended Purdue’s lead to 66-56. Unfortunately, he did not record any additional assists for the remainder of the match. Smith is expected to have an opportunity to break Hurley’s record when Purdue faces Queens University in the NCAA Tournament in St. Louis on March 15, 2024.
Coach Matt Painter praised Smith’s dedication and development over his four years at Purdue, highlighting the rarity of such longevity in a sport increasingly dominated by one-and-done players and transfers. “He was able to stay and keep growing and keep getting better,” Painter said. “Now he’s chasing history from an individual standpoint, but this achievement is also shared with his teammates.”
A Unique Journey in College Basketball
In an era where many talented athletes leave college early, Smith has played in 145 games for Purdue, showcasing his commitment to the program. His consistency is underscored by his ability to average over eight assists per game in recent seasons. Smith reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude to his teammates, stating, “It goes to them just as much as it goes to me.”
Smith’s frustrations during the game did not overshadow his overall achievements. He set a new Big Ten Tournament record with 46 assists and became the conference’s all-time leader with a total of 96 assists in tournament play. His determination and skill have drawn praise from former players, including Grant Hill, who noted the significance of Smith’s accomplishments in today’s college basketball landscape. “It’s quite extraordinary, particularly in this day and age,” Hill commented.
As Purdue prepares for the NCAA Tournament, all eyes will be on Braden Smith as he aims to not only lead his team but also to cement his name in NCAA history by surpassing Bobby Hurley’s long-standing assist record. With his blend of talent and perseverance, Smith continues to inspire both fans and future players alike.
