College Basketball
Braden Smith Will Return To Purdue For Senior Season, Increasing Team’s National Title Odds
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Get to know Dan Girolamo betterPublished14 Apr 2025
One of the best college basketball players in the country will return for one final season. Purdue’s Braden Smith is coming back for his senior season.
Braden Smith Announces Return To Purdue
Just got a text.
All we can say is wow. pic.twitter.com/yYUJym6A7f
— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) April 14, 2025
The NBA can wait for at least one more season.
Smith announced his return to the Boilermakers on his Instagram.
“Running it back one last time,” Smith wrote on Instagram. “Purdue has given me everything: Memories, challenges, growth, and a family. There’s still more to prove, more to accomplish, and more moments to create with my brothers. Much love to my guys and Boiler Nation! Let’s make this next year unforgettable!”
Since joining Purdue in 2022, Smith has started in every game of his career (110 games).
The point guard is coming off a spectacular junior season, averaging 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.7 assists, and 2.2 steals.
Smith was named a first-team All-American and won the Bob Cousy Award as the country’s best point guard.
During his first two seasons, Smith was predominantly tasked with setting up his teammates, including two-time National Player of the Year Zach Edey.
This past season, Smith shouldered more of the load offensively, especially as a scorer.
Smith led the Boilermakers to the Sweet 16, where they lost 62-60 on a last-second layup by Houston.
Smith played spectacularly in the loss, scoring seven points and dishing out 15 assists.
Smith will likely enter the 2025-2026 season as the preseason favorite to win the National Player of the Year.
Purdue Enters The Season As A Title Favorite
Trey Kaufman-Renn was PERSISTENT for this and-one 😤#MarchMadness @BoilerBall pic.twitter.com/oVZYv5NhRJ
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 29, 2025
The Boilermakers are going to be one of the favorites to win the national championship.
BetOnline has Purdue (+900) tied with Houston (+900) for the second-best odds to win the title.
Duke (+850) is the team favored to win it all during March Madness next season.
Besides Smith, most of Purdue’s key contributors — including Fletcher Loyer, CJ Cox, and Gicarri Harris — will be returning next season.
If Trey Kaufman-Renn comes back, Purdue will boast a Final Four-caliber roster.
