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Jeff Borzello
Purdue star guard Braden Smith He will return to his seniors season, announced on Monday and potentially strengthened his favorite wooden prize.
“Start it last,” Smith said in his Notification on Instagram. “Purdue gave me everything: memories, challenges, growth and family. There is even more to prove, more to achieve, and other moments that are formed with my brothers.
“A lot of love for my boys and boiler nation! Let’s do this year unforgettable!”
This season, Smith was a consensual first team of All-American, on average 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.7 assists (second in the country) and 2.2 steals on the way to win Bob Cousy as the best guardian of the nation.
After the double winner Wooden Award he was forced to carry a greater share of offensive responsibility Zach Edey He went to NBA and Smith became more and more one of the focal points of crimes during the season.
In nine big ten games he earned 20 or more points, including 31 points against Iowa and 24 points in the back-to-back games against Michigan and Indiana. In 13 games he also recorded two -digit assistance, in his opinion on the loss of the NCAA tournament for 15 assists Houston. He played all 40 minutes in each of the three Boilermakers tournament games.
Smith is likely to open the season as a favorite of the Wooden Award preferences, giving Matt Painter’s program a legitimate chance to win the prize three times in four seasons.
Purdue is No. 2 in ESPN is up to knowing the 25 best.
