Purdue's Braden Smith breaks NCAA assist record in tourney opener

Senior guard becomes Division I's all-time leader in career assists

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:09am

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Purdue guard Braden Smith broke former Duke star Bobby Hurley's Division I assist record, picking up his 1,077th career assist during the Boilermakers' NCAA Tournament game against Queens on Friday night. Smith, an All-American, is the only player in NCAA history with at least 1,500 points, 1,000 assists and 500 career rebounds.

Why it matters

Smith's record-breaking performance is a testament to his exceptional passing ability and leadership on the court. As Purdue continues its quest for a national championship, Smith's historic achievement adds to the team's momentum and legacy.

The details

Smith broke Hurley's record with 12:11 remaining in the first half, finding teammate Trey Kaufman-Renn for the assist. The senior guard was already the only player in NCAA history with at least 1,500 points, 1,000 assists and 500 career rebounds, and is one of two players along with Southern's Avery Johnson to have had at least 300 assists in two different seasons.

  • Smith broke the record with 12:11 remaining in the first half of Purdue's NCAA Tournament game against Queens on Friday, March 21, 2026.
  • Last weekend, Smith set the Big Ten Tournament assists record while helping Purdue beat Michigan for the championship.

The players

Braden Smith

Purdue's senior guard, an All-American who is the only player in NCAA history with at least 1,500 points, 1,000 assists and 500 career rebounds.

Bobby Hurley

Former Duke star who previously held the Division I career assists record that Smith broke.

Matt Painter

Purdue's head coach, who praised Smith's record-breaking performance and called him "an unbelievable passer."

Trey Kaufman-Renn

Purdue player who received the record-breaking assist from Smith.

Fletcher Loyer

Purdue player who missed a wide-open 3-pointer that would have given Smith the record earlier in the game.

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What they’re saying

“It is surreal. Happy for him. Really happy for him. He has worked really hard. He's an unbelievable passer, man. He makes the game look easy at times.”

— Matt Painter, Purdue head coach

What’s next

Purdue will continue its NCAA Tournament run, looking to capture the first national championship in program history and give Smith a fitting end to his record-breaking career.

The takeaway

Braden Smith's historic achievement underscores his exceptional talent and leadership, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest passers in college basketball history. As Purdue pursues a national title, Smith's record-breaking performance has energized the team and its fanbase.