Can’t spell Naismith without Smith, I suppose.
Braden Smith has already begun to start accumulating awards this season as he was previously announced as the Big Ten Player of the Year earlier this week as well as a finalist for the Cousy Award given to the nation’s top point guard. Now, Braden has been named as a semifinalist for the Jersey Mikes Naismith Award given to the College Player of the Year.
Top for the @NaismithTrophy. pic.twitter.com/eFsrZEnXZq
— Purdue Men’s Basketball (@BoilerBall) March 14, 2025
Braden has had his best statistical season as a Boilermaker, averaging 16.2 points, 8.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. He also became the all-time Purdue leader in assists this season and currently has 726 for his career.
Braden is joined by the following 9 semifinalists:
Johni Broome – Auburn
Walter Clayton Jr – Florida
Cooper Flagg – Duke
Kam Jones – Marquette
Ryan Kalkbrenner – Creighton
RJ Luis Jr – St. John’s
Mark Sears – Alabama
John Tonje – Wisconsin
JT Toppin – Texas Tech