Purdue’s engine, a historic passer with bite
In the 2025-26 season, Braden Smith was the do-everything Purdue lead guard, averaging 14.3 points, 8.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals while starting every game and shooting 44.0% from the field and 82.5% at the line.[4][9] What makes him special is the combo pack: elite court vision, relentless pace, hands-on defense, and poise under pressure—he finished as the NCAA Division I all-time assists leader and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors for the third straight year.[1][2][3] If your team wants a tough, high-IQ floor general who elevates everyone around him, Smith is a premium fit.
