Purdue Point Guard Smith Earns Consensus First-Team All-American Honors

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue junior guard Braden Smith has been recognized as a consensus first-team All-American, receiving accolades from multiple esteemed organizations including the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). This achievement underscores Smith’s remarkable performance throughout the season.

Smith’s recognition marks a significant milestone for Purdue, adding to the legacy of the Boilermakers in college basketball. He joins previous consensus All-Americans JaJuan Johnson, Caleb Swanigan, Carsen Edwards, Jaden Ivey, and Zach Edey, making it the seventh such honor for the program since 2011. Notably, six of these awards have been earned in the last nine seasons.

The accolades are a testament to Smith’s outstanding year, during which he was also named the Big Ten Player of the Year. “Being recognized as a consensus All-American is a great honor, but it’s a reflection of the team around me. I couldn’t have done it without their support,” Smith remarked following the announcement.

This year marks the third consecutive season that Purdue has produced a consensus first-team All-American, solidifying the program’s status as a national powerhouse. No other institution has matched this achievement in the past three seasons, and the Boilermakers have maintained the longest active streak in the country by boasting an All-American in four straight seasons.

Smith’s contributions on the court have been nothing short of remarkable. Averaging over 17 points and significant assists per game, his leadership has propelled Purdue to strong performances throughout the season. “He’s the kind of player that makes everyone around him better. His vision and understanding of the game are exceptional,” commented Purdue Head Coach Matt Painter.

Purdue is set to square off against High Point in the NCAA Tournament first round on Thursday at 12:40 p.m. ET in Providence, Rhode Island. The Boilermakers are aiming for another deep tournament run, hoping to replicate their previous success where they reached the Final Four in 2023.

As Smith and the Boilermakers prepare for their upcoming matchup, they carry the weight of high expectations. “We’re ready for the challenge that the NCAA Tournament presents. We’ve worked hard all season, and now it’s time to show it on the biggest stage,” Smith added confidently.

With Smith’s development and the team’s growing chemistry, Purdue fans eagerly anticipate what the upcoming tournament will bring for their beloved Boilermakers.