BREAKING: Purdue guard Braden Smith has been named a unanimous preseason All-American, an honor that underscores his pivotal role as the Boilermakers aim for a national championship. The announcement was made today, with Smith earning all 57 votes from a media panel for The Associated Press preseason All-America team.
Smith, who played alongside star Zach Edey in the thrilling 2024 National Championship game, opted to return to Purdue instead of entering the NBA draft, echoing Edey’s decision last year. This move signifies a strong commitment to a program that is striving for its first title. The Boilermakers are currently ranked preseason No. 1 in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time, adding further excitement to the upcoming season.
In addition to Smith, the first-team All-Americans include JT Toppin from Texas Tech, who received 52 votes, and Yaxel Lendeborg from Michigan with 30 votes. Each player brings their own unique talents to the court, with Toppin having a standout season last year that helped lead his team to the Elite Eight.
Smith’s performance has been nothing short of spectacular since his freshman year in 2022-23. He made history last season as the first NCAA player to achieve at least 550 points, 300 assists, 150 rebounds, and 75 steals in a single season. His averages of 15.8 points, 8.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game helped propel Purdue to the Sweet 16.
In his own words, Smith expressed pride in the culture at Purdue, stating,
“That’s just how Purdue has always been… We always want to be a part of a program like this, a culture like this.”
The competition remains fierce as other top players like Toppin, who averaged 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds last season, and Lendeborg, who transferred to Michigan after a successful stint at UAB, look to make their mark.
A.J. Dybantsa, the nation’s top recruit, joins BYU, while Florida’s Alex Condon returns after a stellar championship run, looking to lead the Gators to consecutive titles. Condon’s impressive performance in the national title game included 12 points and 7 rebounds, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these players will impact their teams. The college basketball landscape is set for an exciting season filled with potential surprises and standout performances.
Stay tuned for more updates as Purdue and other top programs prepare for what promises to be a thrilling college basketball season.
