Purdue basketball head coach Matt Painter dropped a fiery tackle level guard Braden Smith after the staff’s 90-72 win over USC. The Boilermakers beat the unfold in one other Large Ten conflict to strengthen their grip atop the convention. Purdue now sits at 19-5 general and 11-2 in convention play because the No. 7 staff within the nation.
Smith has lots to do with the Boilermakers’ success this season. And Painter made certain to offer the purpose guard his due reward within the postgame interview whereas additionally calling out the doubters.
“There have been two totally different level guard camps final 12 months the place they invited 15 or 16 level guards within the nation coming into school and been in school. I could not get Braden Smith in there in both a kind of. I am not saying Braden Smith is likely one of the high 15 level guards within the nation. I am saying he is one of the best level guard within the nation. He is probably the greatest passers ever and has an opportunity to be one of the best passer ever.”
Braden Smith has gone from superb to nice this season
The Boilermakers entered the 12 months because the preseason No. 14 ranked staff within the nation. Whereas that is a stable place, this squad was anticipated to be a tier beneath the previous two groups Matt Painter coached in West Lafayette. Two-time Nationwide Faculty Participant of the 12 months Zach Edey was off to the NBA, and key position participant Mason Gillis transferred to Duke. However Purdue as soon as once more appears like a nationwide title contender.
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Matt Painter’s staff is on a heater, profitable eleven out of its previous twelve video games. For this season, Smith is averaging a career-high 16.4 factors, 8.6 assists, and a couple of.5 steals per recreation. That assists whole ranks third within the nation, and that steals common is eighth general. The junior can also be capturing a career-high in effectivity.
In 2024, Smith was first-team All-Large Ten and an AP Honorable Point out All-American. If he continues this manner, the purpose guard is properly on his option to being a first-team All-American. What makes Smith so nice is that he does not have to attain to impression a recreation. In opposition to the Trojans, the Russellville, Arkansas native put up solely 9 factors however recorded 13 assists and 5 steals.
As a present No. 2 seed in ESPN’s bracket, Purdue basketball may have loads of alternatives to earn its third straight No. 1 seed. The Boilermakers have three consecutive matchups towards ranked opponents developing, together with a go to to No. 9 Michigan State. The Spartans and Michigan are each tied with Matt Painter’s staff within the loss column within the convention.
General, Braden Smith might want to proceed his run of kind if the Boilermakers are going to win their third straight regular-season Large Ten championship. Regardless, it is secure to say that the Purdue’s level guard shouldn’t be excluded from any elite camps sooner or later.