Braden Smith's trademark intensity doesn’t just show up when the Purdue men’s basketball team hits the court. Nope, it starts well before that. Just ask Trey Kaufman-Renn, who can feel that competitive energy radiating during their supposedly casual poker games. What’s intended to be a lighthearted way to pass the time on road trips turns into a high-stakes battle for Smith. “He’s a little bit more emotional than other players,” Kaufman-Renn noted, with a chuckle. “I’m just here for the card game—like, it’s not that big of a deal. But he’s playing like we’re playing for money!” This competitive spirit is precisely why Smith’s teammates have zero worries about their floor leader losing his edge, especially now that he’s been recognized as one of the best in the game.
Smith’s remarkable journey has led him to earn unanimous preseason All-Big Ten honors, along with being labeled the preseason Player of the Year. He’s the most accomplished player on the most accomplished team, and he knows it. But if there’s one thing Smith has learned over his first two seasons, it’s to stay locked in on the end goal. The underdog mentality has been a driving force in his rise to prominence as one of the nation’s top talents. He thrives on the smallest slights, using them as motivation, while shrugging off the biggest accolades like they’re nothing.
"It’s just a preseason thing,” Smith said at Thursday’s Big Ten Media Day. “That’s not my goal. I don’t want to be the preseason. I want to be that at the end of the year.” And that’s a mindset you can’t help but respect.
Life has thrown plenty of challenges Smith’s way, each one stacking chips onto his shoulder. Ranking as the 33rd-best point guard in the nation? Check. A freshman season where Purdue’s young guards were often seen as liabilities? Double check. But Smith didn’t let that deter him. Instead, he responded with one of the greatest seasons for a point guard in Purdue history, leading the team to its first Final Four in 44 years. Suddenly, accolades came rolling in: first-team All-Big Ten, honorable mention All-American, and, most recently, preseason All-American honors.
And then, this week, he earned the coveted title of preseason Big Ten Player of the Year. So, how does a competitor who thrives on perceived disrespect handle all this validation? By chasing that internal motivation. Smith knows that the outside world will always provide fuel for his fire. Even with his recently grown beard, fans across the Big Ten Conference will recognize him instantly as the kind of player they love to hate—he’s a nuisance, and he wears that title proudly.
“That's just who I am,” Smith said, reflecting on his competitive nature. “I feel like I always have something to prove. I hold myself to perfection, and I like to be perfect in everything I do. When I miss a shot, when I turn it over, when I'm not a good teammate, when I'm not this and that, I like to hold myself to the highest standard possible. So I get on myself for that, and then it comes with the disrespect that people throw out there—whatever they have to say. And that’s just added motivation.”
It’s no surprise that Coach Matt Painter recruited Smith. He checked off both of Painter’s top priorities: skill and that unbeatable competitive spirit. Listening to Smith discuss his preseason accolades, it’s clear he’s absorbing Painter’s message about the team’s status as the preseason Big Ten favorite. While others might be focusing on the now, Smith and his teammates are already thinking ahead to March.
“He understands that we’ve got to earn it all over again, and he's got to earn it all over again,” Painter said, acknowledging Smith’s determination. “But he definitely affects winning with his ability to pass, his ability to play, and his competitive knowledge of the game.” Smith is not just a talented player; he’s tough-minded and intelligent on the court.
The long season the Boilermakers faced last year played a significant role in Smith’s record-breaking stats. He became the Big Ten player with the most assists (292) and was the first player in NCAA history to accumulate 450 points, 290 assists, and 250 rebounds in a single season. He’s also one of only five players in NCAA history to achieve at least 800 points, 440 assists, and 370 rebounds after their sophomore seasons. And, yes, that elite company includes names like Ja Morant and Magic Johnson.
So, with a resume like that, it’s no wonder voters crowned Smith the league’s top player heading into this season. But here’s the kicker: he might need to elevate his game even more in 2024-25 if Purdue hopes to make another NCAA Tournament run. Painter is counting on him to be the highest-volume player in this offense, shifting away from the heavy reliance on Zach Edey from the previous seasons. The Boilermakers want the ball in the hands of their star, the guy who never shows a crack in his poker face, even when the stakes are seemingly low.
“Of all the people on our team, he's the most—whether it be cards or whatever it is—he really wants to win,” Kaufman-Renn observed. “I think he’ll always have that chip on his shoulder.” And that’s what makes Smith such a compelling player to watch.
As the season progresses, it’s likely that more accolades will continue to come Smith’s way. But he’s determined to keep that edge sharp; it’s the only way he can achieve what he truly wants. The journey is just as important as the destination, and for Smith, every game, every assist, and every point matters. He’s in it for the long haul, and with that mindset, you can bet he’ll be ready to rise to the occasion.
In a world where recognition can sometimes distract from the mission, Braden Smith remains firmly grounded. His sights are set on the end goal, and as he navigates through the season, he’ll continue to embrace the challenges that come his way. With his unwavering dedication and competitive spirit, there’s no telling how far he can go, both personally and as a key player for Purdue. And as fans, we can only wait in anticipation to see what this exciting journey has in store for him and his team!
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