When you’re facing Purdue, you know you’re in for a battle - and when Braden Smith has the ball in his hands, that battle gets even tougher. Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg isn’t sugarcoating it: Smith is a problem, and one of the most complete offensive threats in college basketball right now.
“He’s one of the best three-level scorers in the country,” Hoiberg said ahead of Nebraska’s Tuesday night showdown with Purdue at Pinnacle Bank Arena. And that’s not just coach-speak.
Smith’s ability to score at the rim, knock down mid-range jumpers, and stretch the floor with his range makes him a nightmare to defend. But it’s not just about his scoring - it’s how he facilitates the offense.
Hoiberg didn’t hold back in his praise: “His ability to get the ball in the pocket - he's the best pocket passer I've ever seen.” That’s high praise from a guy who played and coached at the highest levels.
Smith’s vision and timing allow Purdue to operate with surgical precision, especially in the half-court. He doesn’t just run the offense - he elevates it.
So how do you defend a guy like that? You don’t expect to shut him down completely.
What you do is make him work for every inch. That’s the mindset Nebraska is bringing into this matchup: contest everything, stay locked in, and don’t let the tough makes shake your confidence.
Hoiberg pointed to Saturday’s win over Rutgers as a blueprint. Nebraska pulled off an 80-68 victory, but it wasn’t just about the scoreboard - it was how they stayed composed.
Rutgers knocked down a bunch of difficult mid-range shots, but Nebraska didn’t let it rattle them. That kind of mental toughness is exactly what they’ll need against Purdue.
“For us, he's going to do a lot of 'wow' factor type plays,” Hoiberg said of Smith. “You can't get discouraged when he does that. You've got to keep playing and make things tough.”
Translation: Braden Smith is going to get his. He’s too skilled, too smart, and too composed not to.
But if Nebraska can stay disciplined, contest every look, and keep grinding on both ends, they’ll give themselves a shot. This isn’t about perfection - it’s about persistence.
Tuesday night’s tip at PBA isn’t just another game. It’s a chance for Nebraska to test themselves against one of the nation’s elite - and to prove they’ve got the toughness to hang with the best.