Purdue Basketball: Braden Smith a finalist for Cousy Award

For the first time ever, Purdue basketball has a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, which is given to the nation’s top point guard.

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced Braden Smith was one of five finalists for the distinction Monday. Joining the Purdue basketball guard is Marquette’s Tyler Kolek, Connecticut’s Tristan Newton, Alabama’s Mark Sears and Houston’s Jamal Shead. Smith, a sophomore, is the only player on the list that isn’t a senior. This also marks the first time Purdue basketball has had a finalist for the distinction.

Smith helped Purdue capture its second straight regular season Big Ten championship and a 26-3 record heading into tonight’s contest at Illinois.

On the season, he is the only player in America to average at least 13 points, 7 assists and five rebounds per game. Smith is averaging 13.1 points, 7.1 assists and just under six rebounds per game. He has joined Magic Johnson as the only Big Ten players to notch at least 375 points, 200 assists, 170 rebounds and 50 steals in a season. He is one shy of a school record for assists in a season, as he has 206.

Purdue plays at 12th ranked Illinois tonight at 7 p.m.