Ben Baby
Multiple Authors
ST LOUIS — Purdue senior guard Braden Smith grew to become the NCAA’s all-time assists chief Friday evening, reaching 1,077 for his career to interrupt Duke nice Bobby Hurley’s record through the Boilermakers’ 104-71 rout towards Queens University within the first spherical of the NCAA event.
Smith handed Hurley along with his second help of the evening, a bounce go to senior ahead Trey Kaufman-Renn that arrange an and-1 bucket with 12:11 left within the first half.
“I don’t think it’s really set in because, to me, again, it’s my job. It’s what I’m supposed to do,” Smith mentioned. “You’re supposed to get guys the ball to go score, and obviously, I have a lot of great people around me who can do that.”
Smith completed with eight assists, placing his career complete at 1,083. He additionally had 26 factors in second-seeded Purdue’s blowout over the No. 15 seed Royals.
When Smith broke the record, Purdue followers who made the journey to St. Louis have been prepared, erupting as quickly because the help was charted on the videoboard at Enterprise Center.
During the subsequent media timeout, Smith’s record was introduced, prompting one other ovation. Several Boilermakers followers additionally hoisted an indication that learn Smith was the brand new assists king.
“It’s a good feeling,” Smith mentioned. “But I think in that moment, the game was a little bit tight and I was just focused on trying to win and to get a lead.”
Smith was an All-Big Ten first-team choice for the third straight 12 months and is a finalist for the Cousy Award, given to the nation’s high level guard. Smith can be the one participant in NCAA historical past to have at the very least 1,500 factors, 1,000 assists and 500 rebounds.
His scoring prowess was on full show in a recreation that changed into a blowout. After Purdue rode a 10-0 run to take a 45-33 halftime lead, the Boilermakers stretched that result in as many as 38 factors within the second half.
Kaufman-Renn added 25 factors, and senior guard Fletcher Loyer had 14 factors on 4-of-8 capturing from behind the arc.
Loyer and Smith have began all 146 video games of their collegiate careers, and together with Kaufman-Renn, have been all a part of the 2024 Purdue group that reached the nationwide championship, dropping to UConn.
Loyer and Purdue coach Matt Painter gave credit score to offensive coordinator P.J. Thompson for orchestrating the Boilermakers’ assault, by which Smith options closely.
“He just sees everything,” Loyer mentioned of Smith. “Sometimes, you think you won’t be open, and he finds you.”
Painter acknowledged all the good gamers Smith handed on his technique to the record.
“It’s a big-time achievement,” Painter mentioned. “Happy for him and excited about advancing in this tournament and having some fun.”
