Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Purdue Reacts to Braden Smith Announcement on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 4:51 PM ET

The Purdue Boilermakers rode the success of Zach Edey for the past several years, but with his departure to the NBA, Braden Smith carried the flag this season.

Smith led Purdue to the No. 4 seed in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Tournament. The Boilermakers defeated High Point and McNeese before losing to Houston in the Sweet 16.

After the season, a couple of Boilermakers made official decisions on their future in college basketball.

While Purdue suffered a couple of transfer portal losses, they'll be welcoming back All-American guard Braden Smith. The three-year starter announced his decision on social media, which ultimately led to a Purdue reaction.

"Just got a text," posted the official social media account of the Purdue Boilermakers. "All we can say is wow."

Just got a text.

All we can say is wow. pic.twitter.com/yYUJym6A7f
— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) April 14, 2025

Smith originally committed to Purdue as a three-star prospect, ranked as the No. 33 point guard and No. 198 overall player in the class of 2022, per 247Sports.

He chose the Boilermakers over Appalachian State, Montana and Toledo.

Smith has always played above his ranking, but he took it a step further this past season. The Purdue guard had an incredible year for the Boilermakers, posting 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game.

The All-American guard ranked No. 2 in the nation in terms of average assists.

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

More must-reads: