St. Louis - A Jersey Switch and a Star Performance: Braden Smith's Journey
In a twist that could only happen in the heat of March Madness, Purdue's senior point guard Braden Smith made headlines not just for his play, but for his jersey. After a brief stint wearing No. 41, Smith is back in his iconic No. 3 as the Boilermakers face off against Queens in the first round at the Enterprise Center.
Smith's journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. During the Big Ten Tournament, he struggled with his shot, going 4-for-26 across four games.
Frustration reached a peak when he ripped his black No. 3 jersey in half. With his signature jersey out of commission, Smith donned a nameless No. 41 for the championship game.
And what a game it was. In the unfamiliar No.
41, Smith seemed to rediscover his rhythm, shooting 6-for-9 and racking up 14 points, 11 assists, and 3 steals. His standout performance earned him the title of the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
Despite the success in No. 41, Smith isn't banking on superstition as he heads into the NCAA Tournament. He's returning to his roots, wearing No. 3, the number fans have come to associate with his dynamic play.
As Purdue gears up for their matchup against Queens, Smith is on the cusp of history. He's just two assists away from breaking Bobby Hurley's NCAA career record, a testament to his skill and vision on the court.
Purdue fans will be watching closely, not just to see their team advance, but to witness Smith potentially etch his name in the NCAA record books. Whether in No. 3 or No. 41, one thing is clear: Braden Smith is a player to watch.