In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, Purdue Boilermakers’ standout guard Braden Smith has once again taken center stage—this time with a personal announcement that left even head coach Matt Painter visibly stunned.
Smith, a rising star in college hoops and a cornerstone of Purdue’s recent success, made the unexpected announcement during a press conference held on campus Monday morning. Surrounded by teammates and media, the sophomore guard declared his intention to declare for the 2025 NBA Draft, opting to forgo his remaining college eligibility.
“I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this decision with my family, my coaches, and my teammates,” Smith said. “Purdue has been everything to me, and it wasn’t an easy choice. But I feel like I’m ready to take the next step in my basketball journey.”
The room fell silent as Smith spoke, with murmurs breaking out among reporters as the realization set in. For most fans, the announcement came as a surprise—Smith had hinted just weeks ago at a potential return for his junior season following Purdue’s strong tournament run. His departure now leaves a significant gap in the Boilermakers’ lineup heading into the 2025–26 season.
Head coach Matt Painter, who has mentored Smith since his arrival in West Lafayette, was among the first to react—and he didn’t hide his emotions.
“I’m shocked,” Painter admitted candidly. “Braden’s one of the toughest kids I’ve ever coached. I knew he had NBA potential, no doubt about that. But I truly believed we might have one more year with him. That said, I’m incredibly proud of him. He’s earned this.”
Smith’s time at Purdue has been nothing short of sensational. Known for his high basketball IQ, unselfish playmaking, and relentless motor, he quickly became one of the top guards in the Big Ten. This past season, he averaged 14.2 points, 7.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, while leading Purdue to another deep NCAA Tournament run.
His announcement comes on the heels of a year that saw his draft stock soar. Scouts praised his court vision, defensive tenacity, and leadership on and off the floor. While questions remain about how his skillset will translate to the NBA level, most analysts project him as a solid first-round pick, with some suggesting he could even sneak into the late lottery depending on team workouts and the combine.
The news is a bittersweet moment for Boilermaker Nation. Fans who watched Smith grow into a fan favorite over two seasons are both proud and disappointed to see him go. Social media quickly erupted with messages of support, with hashtags like #ThankYouBraden and #BoilerUp trending within minutes of the announcement.
For Purdue, the road ahead now includes filling a major void in the backcourt. While Painter has proven capable of reloading talent year after year, replacing Smith’s presence—both in talent and leadership—will be no small feat.
Still, Painter remained optimistic. “That’s the nature of the game,” he said. “You develop guys, and if you do it right, they’re going to move on to bigger stages. That’s what we’re here to do. And Braden’s going to make us all proud.”
As Smith begins preparations for the draft process—including workouts, interviews, and the NBA Draft Combine—the Boilermaker faithful will watch closely, hopeful that their beloved point guard continues his rise and makes a name for himself at the next level.
In the meantime, one thing is clear: Braden Smith has done it again—captivated the college basketball world with talent, grace, and a decision that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.