West Lafayette is buzzing with excitement as Purdue’s standout point guard Braden Smith officially announced his return for his senior season. After weeks of speculation about whether he might explore professional opportunities or enter the transfer portal, Smith silenced the noise and reaffirmed his commitment to the Boilermakers, setting the stage for a thrilling final chapter in his collegiate career.
Smith’s decision comes as a major boost for head coach Matt Painter and a program hungry to capitalize on the momentum built over the last few seasons. As the engine behind Purdue’s offense, Smith has become a fan favorite for his fearless drives, clutch shot-making, and uncanny court vision. His leadership on and off the court has played a crucial role in the Boilermakers’ recent success, including deep NCAA Tournament runs and Big Ten dominance.
“Purdue is home,” Smith said in a statement. “There’s unfinished business, and I’m coming back to help this team achieve everything we’ve worked so hard for.”
Last season, Smith averaged 13.2 points,