Braden Smith is bound to the game of basketball like plaster is to drywall. If he’s not playing, he’s practicing. If he’s not practicing, he’s watching film. If he’s not watching film, he’s playing NBA 2K. If he’s not playing 2K, he’s watching YouTube highlights of Steve Nash and Jason Williams. And when he’s not doing any of those things, there’s a damn good chance that a basketball is involved.
Purdue’s star point guard and all-time assist leader is devoted to the game like a lot of people claim to be but few can actually prove. Pull up the Westfield, IN, native’s résumé and you’ll find an overwhelming amount of evidence that backs up the work that we can’t see. It tells the story of a three-star recruit who didn’t even meet head coach Matt Painter in person before he landed in West Lafayette, and went on to become the first Bob Cousy Award winner in Purdue basketball history.
“I watch basketball every single day, no matter what it is,” Braden says. “If I’m not practicing or playing something, I’m playing 2K, I’m watching it on YouTube, I’m literally doing something every single day with basketball. No matter the scene or wherever I’m at, it really doesn’t matter. I’m just constantly watching.”
Jared ebanks 