Purdue junior guard is one of 10 semifinalists for the Naismith National Player of the Year. He was recently named the 2025 Big Ten Player of the Year.

Braden Smith brushed preseason player of the year aside in October, saying he wantred the postseason honor. He got it, but not the way he wanted.

Braden Smith of Purdue is the Associated Press Big Ten player of year, Michigan State’s Tom Izzo is coach of the year and Wisconsin’s John Tonje the newcomer of the year.