Inside the mind of Braden Smith, college basketball’s soon-to-be assist king

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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Braden Smith thumbs through videos on his phone, searching for a standout assist from a practice during the previous season. He meticulously archives his top plays, much like a hunter displays trophies.

“This is genuinely one of the finest passes I’ve ever executed,” he remarks, rotating his screen to show.

With his back facing the baseline, Smith cradles the ball in his right hand. As 7-foot-2 center Will Berg sets a pick on the left side of the court, Smith, before fully moving past the big man’s shoulder, slings a pass around Berg to the far side of the court, delivering it precisely into Gicarri Harris’s shooting pocket.

“You know that ‘green release’ feeling in ‘(NBA)2K,’ where you just know it’s going in, ‘swish’?” Smith questions. “That’s the sensation I got as the pass left my hand. Green release.”

Braden Smith, Purdue’s senior point guard, heads into Friday’s NCAA Tournament first-round contest versus Queens needing only one more assist to equal Duke legend Bobby Hurley’s Division I men’s all-time assists record. I recently reviewed every assist of Smith’s career, selecting several standout plays to discuss with him and delve into the thought process of one of collegiate basketball’s most exceptional passers.

Smith mentioned he typically doesn’t revisit his past highlights — though perhaps he’s curating his favorites for future viewing — yet his memory of them is flawless.

With 1,075 assists to his name, he recollects each one vividly.

Assist No. 15

Nov. 25, 2022 vs. Gonzaga (in Portland, Ore.)

Smith’s arrival at Purdue coincided with an opportune moment. Zach Edey was poised to emerge as college basketball’s most dominant center of the contemporary era—a two-time National Player of the Year. A towering 7-foot-4 presence. A point guard’s ideal setup, wouldn’t you agree?

“To be candid,” Smith admits, “he’s more challenging to pass to than virtually anyone else I’ve ever played with.”

It required several games for Smith to become accustomed to distributing the ball to Edey. He had never competed alongside a player of that stature, and his high school squad primarily utilized pick-and-roll plays. Smith found himself encountering an emotion seldom felt on a basketball court: uncertainty.

Subsequently, Purdue coach Matt Painter offered a crucial tip: Deliver the pass with maximum speed, aiming directly for his forehead. Should he fail to catch it once, he won’t make the same mistake twice.

Smith registered his inaugural post assist to Edey during the fourth game of his freshman campaign, in the Phil Knight Legacy’s opening round in Portland versus West Virginia. The delivery was imprecise, yet Edey secured it with a single hand.

That play established a level of confidence, and the following day, Smith truly challenged the imposing center. It marked Smith’s initial encounter with a Top 25 opponent—sixth-ranked Gonzaga—and Smith was making his presence known to the collegiate basketball community. He would conclude the game with 14 points and seven assists in an 84-66 victory for the 24th-ranked Boilermakers. As the game neared its end, with his self-assurance rapidly increasing, Smith spotted an open lane in transition and noticed Gonzaga wing Julian Strawther’s hips were exposed.

“If an opponent is positioned like that in front of me, I’m going to bypass them,” Smith states, “as I intend to leverage my quickness.”

Upon maneuvering past Strawther and observing that Edey’s defender, Ben Gregg, had committed to halting his drive …

“It’s somewhat akin to being in a flow state,” he explains. “When I deliver those no-look passes, it’s as if I perceive them without actually seeing them. It’s merely that inherent awareness of their presence.”

Smith’s aim bypassed the forehead, yet the chin proved an equally effective target.

Assist No. 24

Nov. 30, 2022 at Florida State

Prior to each Purdue game, Smith positions walk-on Aaron Fine on one sideline while he occupies the other. He then commences throwing passes, utilizing two hands, one hand, and a variety of arm angles and body contortions. During his childhood in Westfield, Ind., he would often bring his younger brother to their backyard court, placing him in various positions to practice novel pass deliveries.

The moment I initiate playback, Smith recognizes the play instantly upon seeing the large Florida State Seminole player at mid-court.

“I passed it to Caleb (Furst) in the corner,” he recalls. “I’ve got this clip saved on my phone.”

Smith asserts he has only two or three such clips stored. I, however, suspect the actual number is higher.

While most of his assists don’t particularly impress him, this particular one against the Seminoles stood out. It marked one of the initial instances where he unleashed the kind of pass that truly defines his unique style. Smith measures only 5-foot-11, yet boasts an exceptional 6-4 1/2 wingspan. He once endured teasing because his fingertips would extend to his knees when his arms hung at his sides. This remarkable wingspan, however, enables him to execute passes beyond the reach of taller defenders—deliveries that someone of his stature would not typically be expected to make.

“Naturally, you need to possess confidence in such plays,” he states. “Because occasionally, they don’t succeed. Sometimes I’ll attempt a pass like that, and it ends up in the fourth row of the stands.”

This particular pass was one of those textbook “green releases.” As soon as Smith observed Furst’s defender shift into the paint to deter a post entry to Edey, Smith launched a precise, bullet-like pass over 6-foot-6 Jalen Warley’s head, traversing almost 60 feet directly to Furst.

“I believe he didn’t even need to adjust his hands,” Smith asserts with pride. “Perfectly in the pocket.”

Assist No. 177

Nov. 13, 2023 vs. Xavier

From an early age, point guards are instructed on specific tenets: consistently maintain court vision, avoid being trapped in a corner, and refrain from jumping to pass, particularly without a predetermined target once airborne.

Smith frequently disregards that final guideline. The reason?

“I tend to take risks,” he states.

Painter encourages Smith to rely on his innate judgment. Occasionally, this approach doesn’t yield success. During his freshman year against Indiana, in his inaugural rivalry game, the Boilermakers trailed by three with less than a minute remaining. Smith drove to the hoop, leaving his feet, hovering over the baseline while scanning for a baseline drift. IU’s Race Thompson anticipated the play flawlessly, leaving Smith without an alternative.

“That play ultimately secured their victory,” he recounts.

Typically, Smith possesses several passing avenues once he’s airborne. In this particular sequence against Xavier, Smith jumps, effectively drawing one defender away; Quincy Olivari converges on him at the rim, attempting to swat Smith’s shot.

“I’m genuinely observing that perimeter player (No. 1 Desmond Claude),” Smith clarifies. “Where is his rotation? He’s dropping back, and Morty (Ethan Morton) was unguarded, so that became my target.”

“I recall Morty sinking that three-pointer because he wasn’t primarily a three-point threat. When it swished, I thought, ‘Yes! That’s my assist!’”

Assist No. 270

Jan. 16, 2024 at Indiana

Smith was rated 198th in his recruiting cohort and received no offers from major programs until Jameel Brown withdrew his commitment to Purdue, opting instead to join former Purdue assistant Micah Shrewsberry at Penn State. Painter, having received a recommendation for Smith from Purdue’s prior all-time assist record holder, Bruce Parkinson, weighed Smith as one of five point guards after Brown’s decommitment. Although Smith was the lowest-ranked among them, he was Painter’s preferred choice.

If Penn State had not engaged Shrewsberry, Smith could very well have landed with a mid-major program—a player of modest stature, frequently underestimated.

Smith’s proximity to shattering this record stems from his immediate opportunity to start. Both point guards from the 2021-22 season had transferred by the time he joined. However, Smith possessed an unwavering conviction that he would secure the starting role regardless of the competition.

“Because I was determined to outperform anyone else for the position,” he states.

That self-assurance—coupled with a distinct chip on his shoulder—is evident as the footage plays from his inaugural victory over Indiana during his sophomore season.

The Hoosiers were attempting to vary their ball screen defense, and on this specific sequence, Kel’el Ware aggressively hedged, risking a steal.

“I found it amusing that they believed they could dispossess me,” Smith recounts. “They imagined a 7-footer could snatch the ball from a point guard. While he is, undeniably, incredibly gifted—he’s now with the Heat in the NBA—still, come on. Both defenders seemed convinced they had the play locked up.”

Indeed, it required Smith’s most impressive Curly Neal-esque maneuver to escape Ware and Gabe Cupps, after which he momentarily immobilized Malik Reneau by feigning a pass to Trey Kaufman-Renn in the corner.

“Observe Trey,” Smith instructs. “Trey anticipates receiving the ball.”

That’s how Smith confirms his gaze accomplished its objective. So, why does he execute the pass underhanded?

“Because if I simply used a chest pass, they would intercept it.”

Assist No. 439

April 8, 2024 vs. UConn (in Glendale, Ariz.)

“Do you have the highlight from the national championship game,” Smith inquires, “where I delivered the lob pass to Zach, and he emphatically dunked over (Donovan) Clingan?”

Smith particularly cherishes this play for its masterful use of misdirection.

“You feign taking the layup, observe the defender, and if he’s approaching to block, that’s when you alter your decision at the final moment,” he explains. “You simply loft the pass instead.”

“That’s among my preferred passes to execute, as I believe defenders anticipate I’m attempting a shot.”

As Smith describes the plays, whenever a pass truly excites him, he punctuates it with a “then, boom.”

This particular play elicited that characteristic “boom.”

“It was impressive,” he remarks. “I doubt he had ever witnessed a pass quite like that. Honestly, I was simply relieved it reached its target.”

Assist No. 648

Feb. 7, 2025 vs. USC

Observe Smith’s play sufficiently and witness the frequency with which he successfully executes jump passes, and you’ll inevitably conclude he possesses precise intent in his actions.

His assist to Myles Colvin exemplifies such a pass.

Smith could have distributed the ball immediately upon reaching the elbow, merely delivering a straightforward chest pass to Colvin. Why did he opt not to?

“It was simply the angle,” he replies. “I perceived him to be slightly advanced on his trajectory. He’s capable of reaching that spot.”

Yet, a confession follows.

“I honestly wasn’t contemplating a pass at that moment, to be frank. I intended to shoot. Then, I observed him provide help defense at the very last second. I believe I possess exceptional peripheral vision, allowing me to perceive such movements. I was ascending for the shot, and that’s when I caught him in my peripheral vision, and … That turned into one of those passes. Green release. Right into his shooting pocket.”

Assist No. 671

Feb. 15, 2025 vs. Wisconsin

In the summers when Edey was still with Purdue, he and Smith would often play on opposing teams in pickup games, with Kaufman-Renn anchoring the center position for Smith’s team. Given Edey’s formidable presence near the rim, Smith began feeding Kaufman-Renn on the short roll, which in turn fostered the development of Kaufman-Renn’s distinctive mid-range push shot.

Kaufman-Renn possessed sufficient skill that Smith could connect with him via a pocket pass, empowering Kaufman-Renn to act as the primary decision-maker in open space, choosing either to take his characteristic push shot or locate an unguarded teammate.

Their proficiency in this play grew so pronounced during the summer preceding their junior year that Painter and offensive coordinator PJ Thompson integrated the action as a fundamental component of their offensive scheme.

Smith possesses an acute sense for the precise instant to deliver the pass.

“What’s amusing about Braden is his aversion to me passing the ball,” Kaufman-Renn shares. “He’s not interested in the hockey assist. He consistently wants me to take the shot.”

“I mean, it’s acceptable,” Smith replies when questioned about the hockey assist. “It’s acceptable. It’s acceptable.”

He further comments: “I’d prefer he shoot, but I acknowledge he’s making the correct decision.”

Ideally, Smith engineers scenarios where Kaufman-Renn is left without that particular alternative.

Initially, an opportunity arises for Smith to pass to Furst, but … “It’s Caleb,” he states, subtly implying that shooting isn’t Furst’s primary strength. A truly exceptional point guard invariably understands his teammates’ capabilities and limitations.

Smith is also aware that once Furst moves to the opposite side of the court, the play will transition into an empty-side pick-and-roll with Kaufman-Renn.

And with no defender directly opposing him, he is left with no choice but to drive for a score and secure Smith the assist.

“That’s precisely why I make that pass,” he explains. “Come on, man. Just take the shot.”

Assist No. 771

Nov. 7, 2025 vs. Oakland

“He executes all those unbelievable passes—between his legs, behind his back—with exceptional accuracy,” Fletcher Loyer comments.

The most extraordinary pass Loyer has ever witnessed from Smith occurred during their sophomore season against Arizona. The Wildcats held the No. 1 ranking, while the third-ranked Boilermakers maintained a 7-point advantage with a minute remaining. As Smith advanced towards Arizona’s 7-footer Oumar Ballo, he cupped the ball in his right hand, then bounced it between his legs to a cutting Edey at the free throw line. Edey did not convert the shot but drew a foul.

“It was absolutely insane given the game’s timing and score,” Loyer remarks.

The pressure was considerably less in the season’s second game this year, yet Smith elevated the level of outrageousness when Loyer fed him the ball just beyond half-court, leaving Smith with a single defender to beat to the hoop. As he burst past that lone opponent, it seemed he was poised for a layup.

He, however, had alternative intentions.

“This particular one,” Loyer states upon seeing it appear on screen, “he delivered an absolutely wild pass to me.”

“He became annoyed with me for not attempting the 3-pointer,” Loyer recalls. “I thought, ‘Man, you just threw me an outrageous behind-the-neck pass; my sole focus was on securing the catch.’”

While the over-the-shoulder pass isn’t his invention, attempting one across such a significant distance?

“I’ll concede some credit to myself here,” Smith admits. “I genuinely don’t know how I managed to get it to that spot.”

Assist No. 803

Nov. 20, 2025 vs. Memphis (in Nassau, Bahamas)

Once Smith settles into a rhythm, he’s inclined to attempt an unexpected pass. This phenomenon occurred early in the current season during the game against Memphis.

The Boilermakers initiated a staggered ball screen, with the initial pick designed to force a switch. Smith briefly hesitated, permitting the defender to confront him directly. Oscar Cluff’s screen wasn’t ideal, yet his defender had already committed to hedging.

“I’m anticipating his next move,” Smith states, referring to Cluff’s defender.

If Cluff had executed a superior screen, it would have presented a perfect opportunity for a pocket pass. However, no such opening existed, and Smith was advanced so far up the court, he wouldn’t risk attempting to feed Cluff on a long roll…or would he?

Smith explains that the sensible approach would be to trail the big man with the dribble and “sort of weave my way through.” Yet, Smith perceives an opening, and…

“I’m simply going to roll it to him,” he states.

Indeed, akin to a bowling ball.

“I must be prepared for absolutely anything,” Cluff comments. “When he possesses the ball, I have to maintain focus on it, even when I don’t anticipate a pass. He’s surprised me on several occasions, delivering the ball when I was entirely unprepared.”

Assist No. 827

Dec. 2, 2025 at Rutgers

Summer serves as Smith’s experimental period; this past summer, he began executing behind-the-back passes coming off ball screens when the big defender stepped up and the guard was caught by the screen, thereby fashioning an ideal passing lane. Smith showcased one such play against Texas Tech. In the subsequent game, he delivered two behind-the-back feeds in transition against Eastern Illinois.

“It’s genuinely like an addiction,” he remarks. “Once you succeed, you think, ‘Alright, now I just have to keep doing it.’”

That chance presented itself once more in the Big Ten season opener against Rutgers.

“Because Cluff managed to get behind Trey’s defender—Trey is at half court, and No. 9 is now behind him,” Smith explains. “This implies that a guard is tasked with stopping a 7-footer at the basket.”

“So I’m simply delivering it to him early, right there at the (Big Ten) logo. I considered that particular pass impressive because the defender actually attempted an interception, yet I placed the ball literally perfectly in front of him. That, honestly, might rank among my finest. It felt flawless.”

Assist No. 860

Dec. 20, 2025 vs. Auburn (in Indianapolis)

Smith stands out as one of the rare players who executes bounce passes from an overhead position.

If Smith raises the ball above his head, he elucidates, a defender will anticipate a high pass, which then opens a low passing lane.

This particular play against Auburn ranks among my favorites, due to the sheer improbability of the bounce pass’s distance and Smith’s rapid assessment of his advantageous position.

“If Cluff has his man that deep in the paint, you absolutely must give him the ball,” Smith states. “Their center is covering our power forward, and their power forward is on our center. And there’s no defensive help. Look, everyone—one, two, three—those players don’t even realize I’ve passed it. Well, those two do, but he had no inkling. (Smith gestures towards No. 1.) That’s, genuinely, his help defense. That’s him.”

“Boom, a bounce pass. That’s essentially the play.”

Assist No. 991

Feb. 20, 2026 vs. Indiana

“As a shooter, your constant objective is to enter the passer’s line of sight,” Loyer explains. “But with a player like Braden, you simply aim to locate an open lane. He doesn’t necessarily need to see you directly. It’s a distinct approach. Often, you might think he hasn’t spotted you, but if you’re open, he will deliver the ball.”

That game against Indiana was one of those evenings where Loyer was particularly effective, sinking 4-of-4 three-pointers, each facilitated by Smith.

The last of those plays appears on the screen.

“Did Fletcher connect on a 3-pointer just before this?” Smith inquires. (Indeed, he did.) “Alright, so it’s consecutive. I recall that.”

Smith describes the action.

“I aim to get as low as possible and utilize the screen. However, (Conor) Enright was guarding me tightly, actively preventing me from getting low, so I dribbled through my legs. He fell for the move, I spun, it was pure instinct. There’s no one under the basket. I genuinely had an open layup opportunity.”

Why, then, did he not take the shot?

“I was aware I wouldn’t attempt the layup,” he states. “I simply don’t take layups.”

What is the rationale behind that?

“It’s simply a low-percentage shot,” Smith clarifies. “I just opt not to. Why would I attempt a contested layup over a tall player or a shot-blocker? It’s illogical. If he’s leaping to contest my shot, why wouldn’t I pass to his man instead?”

Smith estimates he has attempted 900 such passes that didn’t result in a score, but he places confidence in his shooters to convert. And typically, the statistics align with his strategy. This approach is precisely how an individual accumulates over 1,000 assists.

Assist No. 1,077 (the record breaker)

To be determined

For Smith this month, victory remains his primary objective. Nevertheless, he has found moments to envision the circumstances surrounding his record-breaking assist.

“I believe it would be special to deliver it to Trey, given he received my very first assist, and this would mark not necessarily the final one, but the record-setting pass,” he muses. “I think that would be truly remarkable.”

What style of pass would that be?

“It absolutely has to be the short roll, man,” he states with a grin. “A pocket pass leading to a floater. That’s how it should conclude. I think that would be awesome.”

A perfectly executed pass. Immediately saved to the phone.