Braden Smith

Braden Smith had an outstanding rookie campaign, being named to the Big Ten’s All-Freshman Team and honorable mention All-Big Ten. Smith averaged 9.7 points, 4.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 30.3 minutes per game, starting all 35 contests for the Boilermakers. Among Purdue freshmen all-time, Smith ranked 11th in points (340), 10th in rebounds (147), ninth in 3-pointers made (38), fourth in free throws made (92), first in free throw percentage (.868), first in assists (153), second in assist / turnover ratio (2.21), fourth in steals (43), first in games started (35) and second in minutes played (1,061). Became the third freshman in Big Ten history to score at least 340 points with 150 assists and 140 rebounds in a season (Michigan State’s Magic Johnson; Ohio State’s DeAngelo Russell). Was one of two freshmen nationally (Arkansas’ Anthony Black) to average at least 9.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG and 4.0 APG during the 2022-23 season. He is just one of three Purdue players in school history in any class to do so (Bruce Parkinson 3x, Troy Lewis). Smith’s 153 assists were the eighth most by a Big Ten freshman in league history and the most for any Purdue player since Porter Roberts in 1996 (158). Scored in double-figures in 15 games, including 20 or more points against Marquette (20) and Iowa (24). Tallied a double-double against Davidson in the Indy Classic (10 points, 12 rebounds). Dished out at least six assists 11 times, including nine against Penn State in a home victory. Set a freshman-school record with seven steals (second most in school history in any class) in the season opener against Milwaukee. Neared a triple-double against Florida State (13 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists). In three games against Penn State, averaged 8.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 7.7 assists (23 assists vs. 2 turnovers). Had big games against Ohio State, averaging 11.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists, including 14 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. Recorded 14 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds in the win over Gonzaga in Portland. Had 19 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds in a road win at Minnesota. Dished out at least five assists in each of his final four games (5.8 APG).