Purdue's Braden Smith Reaches Impressive NCAA Milestone Not Seen in Decades

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Feb 1, 2025 8:46 AM ET

The Purdue Boilermakers are 9-2 and second in league play, just ahead of Michigan and just behind Michigan State for first place in the Big Ten Conference.

The Boilermakers' solid start has increased hopes for another long run in the NCAA Tournament on the heels of last season's runner-up finish.

Coach Matt Painter's team has been paced by star point guard Braden Smith, who had a January run for the ages that no player in either men's or women's college basketball this century can claim.

Generously listed at 6-foot, 175 pounds, Smith has been a warrior all season for Painter's Purdue team, putting up big numbers in points, rebounds and assists.

"Braden Smith of (Purdue) has recorded 150+ points, 80+ assists & 25+ steals in January 2025," the page OptaStats wrote.

"No other D1 player (men's or women's) this century has reached those marks in a single calendar month."

Smith recorded 12 points and 8 assists vs. Connecticut in the national championship game on April 8, 2024.

Now averaging nearly 16 points and nearly 9 assists, the Boilermakers floor general is once again showing fans that he's one of the most underrated players in the country, and one of the best in the Big Ten.

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

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