Purdue’s Smith Earns Unanimous Preseason All-American Honors
Braden Smith, a prominent guard for Purdue University, has achieved unanimous preseason All-American honors for the 2025-2026 college basketball season. This recognition follows his standout performance in the 2024 national championship game, where he played alongside star teammate Zach Edey. Smith opted to return to Purdue instead of entering the NBA Draft, aiming for another national championship under the guidance of Coach Matt Painter.
Smith’s Impressive Career Achievements
Smith received all 57 votes from a media panel for the Associated Press preseason All-America team. His recognition comes after the Purdue Boilermakers were also named preseason No. 1 in the AP Top 25, marking a significant moment for the program.
Notable Statistics
- 2024 Season: 12 points, 7.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals per game
- 2025 Season: 15.8 points, 8.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 steals per game
- First NCAA Player with: 550+ points, 300+ assists, 150+ rebounds, and 75+ steals in a single season.
Smith’s dedication aligns with Purdue’s culture of excellence, where players consistently strive to contribute to the team’s legacy.
Key Players in the Preseason All-American Team
Alongside Smith, several other players have made waves by earning preseason All-American honors:
- JT Toppin (Texas Tech): 52 votes, averaged 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds.
- Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan): 30 votes, known for his strong performance at UAB.
- AJ Dybantsa (BYU): 22 votes, the top recruit showcasing great potential.
- Alex Condon (Florida): 16 votes, returning after a strong season culminating in a national title.
Spotlight on Other All-Americans
JT Toppin
Toppin had a successful first season at Texas Tech, earning second-team AP All-American honors and leading his team to the Elite Eight. His decision to return sets high expectations for his upcoming season.
Yaxel Lendeborg
Lendeborg recently transferred to Michigan after a successful stint at UAB, contributing significantly to his previous team’s NCAA tournament success. His addition has elevated Michigan’s preseason expectations.
AJ Dybantsa
Dybantsa, a highly coveted recruit, chose BYU, joining a team that advanced to the Sweet 16 last season. His athleticism and scoring ability are set to make an impact this year.
Alex Condon
Condon reversed his decision to enter the NBA draft following Florida’s national championship victory. His previous season’s performance included impressive statistics, making him a key player to watch this season.
With these athletes leading their teams, the upcoming college basketball season promises to be thrilling, filled with talent and competitive spirit. As Purdue’s Braden Smith looks to build on his accolades, fans can expect an exciting year ahead on the basketball court.
