For the third year in a row, a Purdue player is named the Big Ten’s preseason player of the year. This time it is junior guard Braden Smith who receives the honor. After being the Robin to Zach Edey’s Batman last season, it is now time for Smith to take over the reins of the Purdue basketball program.
Braden Smith Receives High Honor at Big Ten Media Day
During the Big Ten media days, numerous polls are released detailing how the media views the conference this upcoming season. One of the most anticipated polls is the Player of the Year poll. This season Braden Smith was deservingly selected after his great season last year where he made the Big Ten all-conference team and helped lead Purdue to a national championship appearance. This year, the Boilermakers look to continue to compete for the conference with a post-Edey lineup which will use Smith as the focal point on offense.
College basketball fans have become accustomed to Purdue running an offense center on the big man, it was slow, methodical, and relied on athletic bigs who could dominate the paint. However, in the not-so-distant past, Purdue had some elite guard play with Jaden Ivey and Carsen Edwards leading the charge for Matt Painter. Could we now see Smith become an elite player like those two? I think so. Last season Smith averaged a solid 12 points per game and an incredible 7.5 assists per game. But, even more remarkable was his three-point ability. Smith shot 43% on over 3 attempts per game from beyond the arc last season. This staggering number is great for anyone, especially a sophomore. If Smith can continue to improve with a higher usage he will certainly win the Big Ten Player of the Year Award.
Other Candidates
While Smith is the overwhelming candidate for the award there are a few other candidates that can challenge him for the spot. Many big-time high school recruits and transfers have entered the conference this season, which should lead to great races for all-conference teams and Big Ten Player of the Year.
Oumar Ballo, Indiana
The greatest competition is likely Oumar Ballo from Indiana. Ballo is a transfer from Arizona and will likely be the number-one scoring option on a stacked Hoosiers team. He averaged 13 points per game and 10 rebounds per game last season in the PAC 12. However, the big man play in the Big Ten could slow down Ballo at the start of the season as he adjusts to the physicality of the conference.
Ace Bailey, Rutgers
It is not often that a freshman has a chance to win conference Player of the Year, but Ace Bailey is different. Bailey was the top player in the recruiting class before Duke phenom Cooper Flagg decided to reclassify. Bailey is not only an incredible athlete but is a great passer and shooter. This combination of skills will allow him to succeed in the conference right away. His biggest limitation will be the slower offense that Rutgers’ head coach Steve Pikiell likes to run.
