Purdue star guard Braden Smith is returning for his senior season, he announced Monday, potentially cementing his position as the preseason Wooden Award favorite.
“Running it back one last time,” Smith said in his announcement on Instagram. “Purdue has given me everything: Memories, challenges, growth, and a family. There’s still more to prove, more to accomplish, and more moments to create with my brothers.
“Much love to my guys and Boiler Nation! Let’s make this next year unforgettable!”
Smith was a consensus first-team All-American this season, averaging 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.7 assists (second in the country) and 2.2 steals en route to winning the Bob Cousy Award as the nation’s best point guard.
He was forced to shoulder a bigger share of the offensive responsibility after two-time Wooden Award winner Zach Edey went to the NBA, and Smith increasingly became one of the focal points of the offense as the season progressed.
He scored 20 or more points in nine Big Ten games, including 31 points against Iowa and 24 points in back-to-back games against Michigan and Indiana. He also tallied double-digit assists in 13 games, headlined by 15 assists in the NCAA tournament loss to Houston. He played all 40 minutes in each of the Boilermakers’ three tournament games.
Smith is likely to open the season as the preseason favorite for the Wooden Award, giving Matt Painter’s program a legitimate chance to win the award three times in four seasons.
Purdue is No. 2 in ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25.
