Purdue is determined to write the wrongs of their previous season. After a noteworthy regular season, Zach Edey and Co. have realized their true potential in the March Madness so far. However, the 7 ft 4 inch center is not the only reason behind their tremendous run of form. A whole lot of credit can be conferred upon their super No.3 Braden Smith for being one of the driving forces behind their overall success.
The sophomore guard has been among the driving forces for the Boilermakers headlining the Final Four this season. His specific skill set and immense talent are a reflection of the athletic genes he possesses.
Basketball blood in Braden Smith’s veins
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Born to Justin and Ginny Smith, Braden knew a thing or two about basketball in his childhood. As it turns out, his mother, Ginny, has been a reputed baller herself since her high school days. Attending Caddo Hills High School, she was a proud representative of their basketball program. Moreover, in the 1997 Class A state championship, she was instrumental in Arkansas’s championship run. Soon after, her notable contributions won her the Arkansas Miss Basketball.
Anyhow, this is not the only time she made headlines. Seemingly, she led Arkansas Tech University into the NCAA Division II tournament in each of her seasons. Consequently, the Golden Suns made it to the national championship game in 1998-99. After this, Ginny was named the First-Team All Gulf South Conference in 2001.
In addition to this, she also has an impressive resume as a coach. Ginny went on to win the IBCA District 2 Coach of the Year courtesy of her 18-5 record for the Westfield High School girl’s team.
Read More- Who’s Braden Smith? Know All About Purdue’s No. 3
Braden’s father Justin, was also associated with the men’s division at Arkansas Tech University.
Now, both of them witness their son take his shot toward national glory.
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Braden Smith leads Purdue to their first-ever Final Four
The Boilermakers have turned up a notch ever since the March Madness started. They have earned comprehensive victories under their belt from the start and then capped it off against a spirited show against the Vols. Throughout this time, Smith has held his end of the bargain to chip in with his respective contributions. In the 4 games so far, he is scoring an average of 9.75 points per game and dishing out 9.5 assists. On the defensive front, he has grabbed 6 rebounds per game. Further, his shooting prowess also proved to be an asset for the Boilermakers. A field goal percentage of 43.275 and beyond-the-arc accuracy of 41.65 shows how Smith is turning out to be a game-changer for Purdue.
The Boilermakers need just two more wins to make the best season in the program’s history. As they gear up to take NC State in their Final Four clash, they won’t wanna leave anything to chance. It will be interesting to see if the sophomore guard can repeat his heroics on the big stage once again.
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Read More- Zach Edey’s Commanding Double Double Propels Purdue to Elite 8 Ending Gonzaga’s March Madness Dream
What do you make out of Purdue’s chances in the Final Four?