Purdue's 'Iron Man' is the new NCAA assist leader

Braden Smith is officially in the history books.

Purdue’s Braden Smith has become the top passer of the NCAA.. Smith passed Bobby Hurley for most assists when he recorded his 1,077th assist in the NCAA Tournament against Queens. 

Before tonight’s game, Smith only needed two assists to achieve this unprecedented feat and got it out the way within the first five minutes of the half. Smith is a three-time Big Ten first team selection and a 2025 All-American.  In his junior and senior year he averaged 9 apg. Smith started in all four years at Purdue. During the Big Ten Tournament he was named the Most Outstanding Player. 

In 2024, Smith willed his team to the national championship where they fell to UConn. That year was considered the best in school history as the team won over 30 games and were considered a favorite to win the title. Smith has been a staple for Purdue and has been the driving force to what has made this basketball program so memorable in recent years. 

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Throughout his collegiate career, Smith has amassed over 1,800 points, 200+ steals, 1,000+ assists, and 600+ rebounds. No matter how the season shakes out, the name Braden Smith is now etched in the history books.. All those who follow the sport will remember Purdue’s own iron man and new NCAA assist leader. 

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