Braden Smith Named Big Ten Player of Year

Purdue's Braden Smith has been honored as the Big Ten Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season, continuing Purdue's dominance in this accolade after Zach Edey won it in 2023 and 2024. Smith, a junior guard, achieved impressive statistics with 16.3 points, a league-best 8.8 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game. His performance has been pivotal in leading Purdue to a 21-10 overall record and a 13-7 mark in Big Ten play. Smith also became Purdue's all-time assist leader and joined the 1,000-point club, despite not being heavily recruited out of high school. Alongside Smith, Purdue's Trey Kaufman-Renn was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team, reflecting Purdue's strong basketball program. Smith's coach, Matt Painter, praised him as the best player in the league and foresees a bright future for Smith in professional basketball.