“So if you think he’s the 11th-best point guard in the country, I hope you get a job in the Big Ten. At least we’ll get two wins.” Matt Painter wasn’t joking. Last year’s so-called sidekick to Zach Edey is now running the show. A Bob Cousy Award semi-finalist, an assist machine, and the heart of Purdue’s offense—he’s proving every doubter wrong. Despite being overlooked, his NIL valuation has jumped 30% to $1.9 million, all without a major sponsor. The game is taking notice. And if you’re still sleeping on him, history is about to wake you up.

According to On3.com, Braden Smith’s NIL valuation recently jumped from $1.6 million to $1.9 million, marking an increase of $312K. He now ranks No. 25 in the College Basketball NIL rankings and No. 2 among all college basketball players in NIL earnings. While his social media following remains modest compared to some superstars—31K on Instagram and 4.6K on Twitter—it continues to grow steadily. His partnerships with HEYDUDE Shoes, Boilermaker Alliance, and the Purdue NIL Store highlight how brands are taking notice, even as larger corporate sponsors have yet to fully embrace him.

Statistically, Smith is among the best point guards in the country. He currently ranks second in the NCAA in assists per game (8.8) while averaging 16.1 points and 4.7 rebounds. His efficiency is undeniable, shooting 44.9% from the field. Against Michigan State, he played 39 minutes, scoring 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting while adding eight assists and five rebounds. Purdue may have lost the game, but Smith’s control over the floor was evident.

Even Zach Edey believes that Smith has something so special, which is also so underrated. Speaking in Indiana, ahead of the matchup between Grizzlies and Pacers, Edey said, “His willingness to pass and I say his vision, being able to see passes, being able to see little windows, see little bounce-pass windows, he’s going to hit you right on target, he’s going to make a good pass. I think that’s underrated…A lot of people can make the pass, but not a lot of people can make that pass accurately and in a pocket like he does. It’s special what he does.”

Last year, Braden Smith put up 12.0 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game—all while sharing the floor with Zach Edey. Yet, when Inside the Hall and UM Hoops dropped their list of the top 25 Big Ten players in 2024, Smith’s name was nowhere to be found—not even as an honorable mention.

Overlooked? Absolutely. Underrated? Without a doubt. But this season, there’s no ignoring him.

From Overlooked to POY Contender: Braden Smith’s Rise to Purdue Royalty

Last year, Braden Smith didn’t even crack the top 25 players in the Big Ten. Now, he’s not only ranked No. 2 in NIL earnings among all college basketball players, but he’s also on the verge of making history.

Just seven assists separate him from breaking Bruce Parkinson’s 690-assist record, a mark that has stood since 1977. And with Purdue facing Indiana in a heated rivalry at Assembly Hall on Sunday, the moment could come sooner rather than later.

“He’s a great passer—he walked in the door that way,” Purdue head coach Matt Painter said. “He’s got great vision, he’s got a great skill set. He’s earned it.”

Smith’s ability to dictate the game has drawn comparisons to college basketball’s elite. On The Field of 68: After Dark, John Fanta declared, “If Cooper Flagg and Johni Broome, if you took them out of college basketball, I’d put Braden Smith as my player of the year right now.”

After Smith’s remarkable performance could not lead Boilermakers to a win against the Spartans, he received the ultimate praise from the head coach. “Smith may be the best player in the country,” he stated, proving that soon enough Smith could be taken together with Steph Curry. And well, Matt Boynton already thinks that Steph is the only one who, at the time in college, has been better than Braden Smith.

Once overlooked, Smith is now rewriting Purdue’s history. The assist record is just the latest milestone in a season that proves he’s no longer in anyone’s shadow—he’s leading the way.