Braden Smith Aims for Championship Glory and NBA Future

Braden Smith, the standout point guard for Purdue University, is determined to prove his doubters wrong as he aims for a national championship and a potential NBA career. Standing at just 6 feet tall, Smith has faced skepticism throughout his basketball journey, from being an unranked high school recruit to now leading a team ranked No. 2 in the nation. “That’s all it’s ever been for me, is doubt and people saying I can’t,” Smith told ESPN. With a stellar junior season behind him, where he earned consensus first-team All-America honors, he is now a favorite for the national Player of the Year award.

As Purdue seeks its first national title, Smith has the opportunity to become the NCAA’s all-time assists leader. He is also eyeing a spot in the first round of the 2026 NBA draft, a challenging feat given the league’s trend towards taller players. The average height in the NBA has been around 6 feet 7 inches for nearly five decades, raising questions about the viability of shorter guards. During a recent podcast appearance on “Mind the Game,” NBA star Kevin Durant acknowledged the challenges for players under 6 feet, emphasizing the rarity of their roles in the league.

Smith’s path to the NBA is underscored by statistics. The last player under 6 feet to be selected in the first round, Shane Larkin, was drafted in 2013 but was out of the league three years later. Among the past ten drafts, only four players shorter than 6 feet have been chosen, with the most recent being Carsen Edwards and Tremont Waters in 2019. Smith, currently ranked No. 33 on ESPN’s draft board, recognizes the need for an outstanding season to secure his draft prospects.

While his focus is on Purdue, where he hopes to lead the team to victory, Smith reflects on the support he has received from his coach, Matt Painter. “That’s literally everything in my career. Just having a coach that trusts you,” Smith stated. Painter has consistently placed his confidence in Smith, allowing him to develop through the ups and downs of competition. Since joining the team, Smith has started all 111 games and helped Purdue secure a No. 1 seed in consecutive NCAA tournaments, despite a disappointing exit last year.

With each passing season, Smith has enhanced his skill set. His ability to facilitate plays and shoot from long range has made him a key asset for the Boilermakers. In his junior year, he emerged as a critical player following the departure of Zach Edey, averaging career highs in points and assists while ranking second in the nation for assists. Now, as a senior, he aims to be the best player in college basketball and lead Purdue to its long-coveted championship.

Smith’s commitment to Purdue is notable in an era where athletes frequently transfer to pursue better opportunities. After considering his options following the team’s Sweet 16 exit last season, Smith opted to return to Purdue, stating, “It wasn’t even in my mind” to transfer. His decision reflects a dedication to completing unfinished business and achieving a national championship, a goal shared by his teammates, including fellow senior Trey Kaufman-Renn.

The Boilermakers have consistently ranked among the top teams during Smith’s tenure, achieving the No. 1 ranking in three of his four years. This stability has been instrumental in their success and is a testament to the team’s retention of key players. Kaufman-Renn emphasized Smith’s impact on winning, stating, “He is the No. 1 guy that I’ve played with that has affected winning.”

As Smith prepares for his final collegiate season, he faces the challenges of proving himself in a league that may question his size. Painter remains optimistic about Smith’s potential, drawing parallels with successful shorter players in the NBA, such as Payton Pritchard. Smith’s competitiveness and leadership have been recognized by coaches and scouts alike, evidenced by his invitation to the prestigious Chris Paul Elite Guard Camp.

Despite concerns about his height, Smith’s teammates believe his extensive skills will carry him forward. As the season unfolds, he has the chance to not only chase individual accolades, including potentially breaking Bobby Hurley’s NCAA assists record, but also to lead Purdue to its first national championship. With the Final Four taking place in Indianapolis, just over an hour from Purdue’s campus, the stakes are high.

In pursuing both personal and team aspirations, Smith reflects on his goals: “Obviously individual awards, it’s a huge thing… But at the same time, I would be willing to give all those away for a national championship.” As he embarks on his senior season, Smith’s journey will be closely watched, both for his impact on college basketball and his future in the NBA.