Braden Smith, a standout guard for Purdue University, has been named a unanimous preseason All-American. This accolade comes as the Boilermakers are also ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25, marking a significant moment in the program’s history. Smith’s decision to return for another season, rather than entering the NBA draft, reflects his commitment to pursuing a national championship alongside his teammates.
Braden Smith’s Journey
Smith has emerged as one of the top guards in college basketball since his freshman year in the 2022-23 season. During his sophomore season, he played a crucial role in leading Purdue to the national title game in 2024. He averaged 12 points, 7.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, setting a school record for minutes played.
Last season, Smith excelled even further, becoming the first NCAA player to record at least 550 points, 300 assists, 150 rebounds, and 75 steals in a single season. He averaged 15.8 points, 8.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals, contributing significantly to the team reaching the Sweet 16.
Preseason All-Americans
The AP preseason All-America team includes several notable players in addition to Smith:
- JT Toppin (Texas Tech) – 52 votes
- Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) – 30 votes
- AJ Dybantsa (BYU) – 22 votes
- Alex Condon (Florida) – 16 votes
Smith received all 57 votes from a media panel, showcasing his popularity and performance level as a player.
Noteworthy Performances
JT Toppin had an impressive first season at Texas Tech, averaging 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds, leading the Red Raiders to the Elite Eight. After earning Big 12 Player of the Year honors, Toppin opted to return to Texas Tech, which is currently ranked No. 10 in the preseason poll.
Yaxel Lendeborg, who previously played at UAB, transferred to Michigan after helping lead the Blazers to the NCAA tournament. He had a standout career at UAB, earning Defensive Player of the Year accolades. His addition to Michigan played a role in the team’s No. 7 preseason ranking.
BYU secured the nation’s top recruit, AJ Dybantsa, who is expected to make a significant impact this season. His skills as a scorer and defender have drawn attention, and he is projected to be a potential No. 1 NBA draft pick.
Finally, Florida forward Alex Condon chose to return to college after initially declaring for the NBA draft. Condon played a vital role in Florida’s national championship win, averaging 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. His return has boosted Florida’s standing, as they are now ranked No. 3 in the AP preseason poll.
Conclusion
Braden Smith’s recognition as a unanimous preseason All-American highlights his talent and contributions to Purdue basketball. As the Boilermakers set their sights on another championship run, fans look forward to a thrilling season in college basketball.
