Braden Smith from Purdue Takes the Spotlight as Preseason Big Ten Player of the Year — Again! Purdue’s senior guard Braden Smith has been honored once more, being named the Big Ten preseason Player of the Year. This accolade solidifies his status as a standout athlete, following his previous recognition as the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year. But here’s where it gets interesting: Smith was the only player to be unanimously chosen for the preseason All-Big Ten team, highlighting his clear dominance and respect from coaches and analysts alike.
Remarkably, this marks the third consecutive year a Purdue player has earned this prestigious preseason honor. Smith himself has held the title for the past two seasons, while his teammate Zach Edey claimed it in 2024. This consistent recognition points to Purdue’s strong presence and talent pipeline in Big Ten basketball.
Joining Smith on the preseason All-Big Ten squad is his teammate Trey Kaufman-Renn, adding to Purdue’s strong representation. Other notable players named include Bennett Stirtz from Iowa, Yaxel Lendeborg from Michigan, Nick Martinelli at Northwestern, Nate Bittle and Jackson Shelstad from Oregon, Donovan Dent from UCLA, and John Blackwell representing Wisconsin. This diverse group showcases a wide range of talent across the conference.
Looking at last season’s stats, Smith posted impressive averages with 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and a remarkable 8.7 assists per game. His outstanding performance earned him a spot as a first-team All-American and the coveted Bob Cousy Award, which is given annually to the best point guard in college basketball. To put it simply, Smith is not just a leader for Purdue but one of the top players nationally.
Kaufman-Renn has also proven to be a key contributor, averaging 20.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists last season. These numbers highlight why both he and Smith are central figures as Purdue heads into the new season.
Purdue’s 2025-2026 season kicks off with a home game against Evansville on Tuesday, November 4, with the tipoff slated for 6:30 p.m. at Mackey Arena. Fans will be eager to see if Smith and his teammates can live up to the hype and continue their winning streak.
But here’s the part most people miss: Does this recurring preseason hype put extra pressure on Smith and his Purdue teammates? And how will it affect their performance once the games begin? Some might argue that constant expectations could be a double-edged sword. What do you think? Does preseason recognition truly predict success, or can it sometimes be a distraction? Share your thoughts below!
