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Ben Baby
Multiple Authors
ST. LOUIS — Purdue senior guard Braden Smith made history Friday night, becoming the NCAA’s all-time assists leader with a career total of 1,077, surpassing Duke icon Bobby Hurley’s record. This milestone occurred during the Boilermakers’ dominant 104-71 victory against Queens University in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Smith broke Hurley’s record with his second assist of the evening, a skillful bounce pass to senior forward Trey Kaufman-Renn, setting up an “and-1” play with 12:11 remaining in the first half.
“It hasn’t quite registered yet because, for me, it’s simply my role. It’s what I’m supposed to do,” Smith commented. “You’re meant to get your teammates the ball to score, and clearly, I’m surrounded by many excellent players who can convert those opportunities.”
Smith concluded the game with eight assists, bringing his career tally to 1,083. He also contributed 26 points in second-seeded Purdue’s convincing win over the No. 15 seed Royals.
When Smith achieved the record, Purdue fans who had traveled to St. Louis were ready, erupting in celebration as soon as the assist was confirmed on the Enterprise Center videoboard.
During the subsequent media timeout, Smith’s record was officially announced, eliciting another thunderous ovation. Several Boilermakers supporters also proudly displayed a sign proclaiming Smith as the new “assists king.”
“It’s a great sensation,” Smith stated. “However, I think at that moment, the game was still fairly close, and my focus was solely on winning and establishing a lead.”
Smith earned an All-Big Ten first-team selection for the third consecutive year and is a finalist for the Cousy Award, presented to the nation’s top point guard. Uniquely, Smith is also the only player in NCAA history to achieve at least 1,500 points, 1,000 assists, and 500 rebounds.
His scoring prowess was fully evident in a game that quickly became a rout. After Purdue’s 10-0 run secured a 45-33 halftime lead, the Boilermakers extended their advantage to as many as 38 points in the second half.
Kaufman-Renn chipped in 25 points, and senior guard Fletcher Loyer contributed 14 points, sinking 4 of 8 attempts from beyond the arc.
Loyer and Smith have started all 146 games of their collegiate careers. They, along with Kaufman-Renn, were integral members of the 2024 Purdue team that reached the national championship, ultimately falling to UConn.
Loyer and Purdue head coach Matt Painter credited offensive coordinator P.J. Thompson for meticulously designing the Boilermakers’ offensive strategy, which heavily features Smith.
“He simply sees everything,” Loyer said of Smith. “Sometimes, you don’t even think you’re open, and he still manages to find you.”
Painter acknowledged the many esteemed players Smith surpassed on his path to setting the new record.
“It’s a truly monumental accomplishment,” Painter remarked. “I’m thrilled for him and excited about our team advancing in this tournament and having a great time.”