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Purdue Guard Braden Smith Makes NCAA History
21 Mar
Summary
- Smith broke the men's NCAA Division I career assists record.
- He surpassed Bobby Hurley's long-standing record during the tournament.
- Smith has been a key player for Purdue's Final Four run.
Purdue senior guard Braden Smith achieved a major milestone on Friday, March 21, 2026, by breaking the men's NCAA Division I record for career assists. This historic feat occurred in the first half of a first-round NCAA Tournament game. Smith's record-setting assist, which found Trey Kaufman-Renn, pushed him past the previous mark held by former Duke star Bobby Hurley.
The previous record had stood for nearly 33 years, with Hurley setting it during his distinguished college career. Smith, a four-year player for Purdue, has become a rarity by remaining with the same program throughout his collegiate tenure. He is currently averaging a career-high 9.1 assists per game this season.
Smith has been instrumental in Purdue's resurgence, notably aiding the team's journey to the Final Four for the first time in 44 years during the 2023-24 season. His consistent performance, including 11 assists in the recent Big Ten title game, highlights his impact on the court.
