Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) celebrates after a Nebraska Cornhuskers turnover Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Watch: Bob Cousy Congratulates Purdue's Braden Smith on Point Guard Award

Originally posted on Purdue Boilermakers on SI
By Dustin Schutte | Last updated Apr 6, 2025 10:56 AM ET

On Saturday afternoon, Purdue guard Braden Smith added the Bob Cousy Award to his incredible list of career achievements and accolades. Shortly after he was named the winner of the award, Smith received a special message from the NBA legend.

In a message shared on social media, Cousy offered his congratulations to Smith for claiming the award named in his honor.

"The award is very meaningful. I've been saying for years, if basketball is an artform, it resides in the position of a clever point guard doing his magic on the basketball floor effectively," Cousy said. "I still believe that to be true.

"I've seen you play three times and you're a wonderful player. You've got a year left, and I offer my congratulations before obviously a successful pro career. Job well done!"

A huge congrats to Braden Smith from Bob Cousy for taking home the 2025 #CousyAward! pic.twitter.com/tbemQh5rKG
— University of Hoophall (@hoophallu) April 5, 2025

Cousy is one of the all-time greatest players to ever play in the NBA. He was a six-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and was a 13-time All-Star selection. Cousy finished his professional career with 16,960 points, 6,955 assists and 4,786 rebounds.

Smith concluded the season averaging 15.8 points, 8.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game for the Boilermakers. His assist-per-game average ranked second nationally, behind only Gonzaga's Ryan Nembhard.

It's just the latest award for Smith, who was also named the Big Ten Player of the Year and was a first-team All-American selection. The guard is also one of four finalists for the Naismith Men's College Player of the Year award, along with Cooper Flagg (Duke), Johni Broome (Auburn) and Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida).

Smith had a remarkable junior campaign, and it was unique to see him not only win the Bob Cousy Award, but to receive a special message from the basketball legend.

This article first appeared on Purdue Boilermakers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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