At 6 feet tall, Braden Smith is putting up numbers that make you do a double-take. He’s averaging 13.2 points and dishing out 7.1 assists (that’s top-5 in the nation, by the way) in Purdue. Moreover, he is hitting threes at a red-hot 42.3%. But here’s the real kicker: Michigan assistant Mike Boynton, who’s gone up against NBA-bound stars like John Wall, Trae Young, and Tyrese Haliburton, says Smith is the best college point guard he’s seen since Steph Curry.

Yeah, that Steph Curry—the guy who rewrote the record books at Davidson before becoming a walking highlight reel in the NBA. Curry averaged 28.6 PPG as a junior, carrying Davidson to the Elite Eight and redefining what an undersized guard could do. So, could Braden Smith be the best point guard since the Golden State superstar? The hype comes straight from Michigan’s assistant Mike Boynton. He told CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander: “Braden Smith is the best point guard I’ve ever coached against not named Steph Curry.”   

High praise? Absolutely. Especially when you consider the list of NBA stars Boynton has faced. We’re talking John Wall, Trae Young, Tyrese Haliburton—the list goes on. Smith might not have Curry’s scoring numbers, but his ability to control the game and make everyone around him better is undeniable. And when a coach who’s seen that much talent says it, you know it’s legit.

Boynton didn’t just toss this comparison out there. He sat down, thought about it, and texted CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander a list of all the elite guards he’s faced. And his conclusion? Only Curry, the two-time NBA MVP, was better in college than Smith. Let that sink in.

Smith might not be dropping 30 a night like Chef Curry did, but his ability to control the tempo, hit clutch shots, and make everyone around him better has Purdue looking like a legitimate title contender. Currently sitting third in the Player of the Year race behind Zach Edey and Dalton Knecht, Smith’s playmaking and poise have been the backbone of Purdue’s dominant run.

Smith may not have Curry’s scoring numbers, but his impact on the court is undeniable. Purdue’s title hopes? They’re riding on his shoulders—and he’s making it look easy. While Braden Smith is carving out his legacy, Steph Curry reminds us that even legends have their final chapters.

With Curry’s “last ride” in full swing, the Warriors’ pursuit of one more title feels like a passing of the torch. Could Smith be the next to carry it? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: the magic of Curry’s game lives on—in Golden State and West Lafayette. Yes, it is great.

Braden Smith’s brilliance keeping Purdue in the hunt

Braden Smith isn’t just playing basketball this season—he’s putting on a show. Take Tuesday night against Michigan. Smith dropped 24 points, six rebounds, and five assists, nearly willing Purdue to a comeback win. He hit two huge threes late to erase a six-point deficit, proving he’s built for big moments. Michigan coach Dusty May couldn’t help but praise him: “He’s incredible. His stamina, his playmaking—it’s A-plus.”

Smith’s impact goes beyond numbers. He’s a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, on the Wooden Award watch list. Moreover, he earned the accolade of the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year. Not bad for a guy who’s also a top-five NIL earner among male athletes. But what really sets Smith apart is his toughness. He played all 40 minutes against Michigan and still looked fresh in crunch time. “I kept thinking he’d get tired,” May admitted. “He didn’t.”

His form has Purdue in the hunt for a Big Ten title and beyond. As the Boilermakers chase glory, Smith’s engine drives them forward. And if his recent performances are any indication, he’s just getting started. Purdue’s title hopes? They’re riding on his shoulders—and he’s making it look easy.