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Purdue Makes Braden Smith Announcement Amid NCAA Tournament

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 4:44 PM ET

The Purdue Boilermakers are set to face the Houston Cougars in the Sweet 16 after dominating their first two opponents in the NCAA Tournament.

Purdue defeated High Point 75-63 and followed that with a 76-62 victory over McNeese State.

Before the Boilermakers gear up to play the No. 1 Cougars, Purdue's official social media team revealed that guard Braden Smith has been named a finalist for the Naismith Player of the Year award.

"The elite group," Purdue said.

Smith joined the prestigious list alongside Cooper Flagg, Johni Broome and Walter Clayton Jr.

The elite group. @3bradensmith is 1-of-4 finalists for the @NaismithTrophy. pic.twitter.com/9SiD2RBChE
— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) March 25, 2025

So far this season, Smith has averaged 16.0 points, 8.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds, leading the Boilermakers in average assists. The crafty guard also leads Purdue with 2.2 steals per game, proving to be one of the best two-way players in the Big Ten.

In the Boilermakers' matchup against McNeese State in the round of 32, Smith posted 10 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals.

During his third season with the Boilermakers, Smith became the program's all-time assist leader. Including NCAA Tournament play, Smith has produced over 700 career assists at Purdue.

He was also named the Big Ten Player of the Year ahead of the NCAA Tournament, leading Purdue to the No. 4 seed in the Midwest region.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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