Smith ‘running it back’ for senior year at Purdue

• Jeff BorzelloApr 14, 2025, 05:29 PM ET

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  • Basketball recruiting insider.
  • Joined ESPN in 2014.
  • Graduate of University of Delaware.Purdue star guard

Braden Smith is returning for his senior season, he announced Monday, possibly sealing his position as the preseason Wooden Award favorite.”Running it back one last time,” Smith stated in his statement on Instagram.” Purdue has actually given me whatever: Memories, challenges, growth, and a family. There’s still more to show, more to achieve, and more minutes to produce with my siblings.

“Much love to my guys and Boiler Nation! Let’s make this next year unforgettable!”

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Smith was a consensus first-team All-American this season, averaging 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.7 assists (2nd in the nation) and 2.2 takes en route to winning the Bob Cousy Award as the country’s best point guard.He was required to carry a larger share of the offensive obligation after two-time Wood Award winner Zach Edey went to the NBA, and Smith significantly turned into one of the centerpieces of the offense as the season progressed.He scored 20 or more points in 9 Big Ten games, consisting of

31 points versus Iowa and 24 points in back-to-back games versus Michigan and Indiana. He likewise tallied double-digit assists in 13 games, headlined by 15 helps in the NCAA tournament loss to Houston. He played all 40 minutes in each of the Boilermakers’three competition games.Smith is likely to open the season as the preseason favorite for the Wooden Award, giving

Matt Painter’s program a legitimate opportunity to win the award three times in 4 seasons.Purdue is No. 2 in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25.