Purdue's Braden Smith named consensus first-team All-American

Smith caps historic college career with second straight consensus honor

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:49pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's movements and skills through fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant colors.Braden Smith's consensus first-team All-American selection caps off an illustrious college career marked by record-breaking achievements and elite-level play.West Lafayette Today

Purdue senior point guard Braden Smith has been named a consensus first-team All-American, earning the prestigious honor from both the United States Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Smith averaged 14.3 points, 8.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game this season, and is a two-time consensus first-team All-American.

Why it matters

Smith's selection as a consensus first-team All-American caps off an illustrious college career that saw him become the NCAA's all-time assists leader and break the record for most minutes played by a four-year player. His recognition further cements Purdue's status as a national basketball powerhouse, with at least one Boilermaker player earning first-team All-American honors in five consecutive seasons.

The details

Smith is joined on the consensus All-American first team by Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg, BYU's A.J. Dybantsa, Duke's Cameron Boozer, and Arkansas' Darius Acuff Jr. Smith broke the NCAA all-time assists record in the first round of the NCAA tournament this season against Queens University, finishing his career with 1,103 assists, 27 more than Duke's Bobby Hurley (1991-94). He also set the NCAA record for most minutes played by a four-year player with 5,067 minutes.

  • Braden Smith broke the NCAA all-time assists record in the first round of the 2026 NCAA tournament.
  • Smith ended his college career with 1,103 total assists.

The players

Braden Smith

Purdue senior point guard who was named a consensus first-team All-American for the second straight year, capping off a historic college career.

Bobby Hurley

Former Duke player who held the NCAA record for most career assists with 1,076 before Smith surpassed him.

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The takeaway

Braden Smith's selection as a consensus first-team All-American solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest players in Purdue and NCAA history, and further cements the Boilermakers' status as an elite college basketball program.