"Braden Smith is one of the top 5 players in the Big Ten": CBB analyst has bold statement for Purdue guard ahead of 2024 March Madness

With March Madness around the corner, CBS analyst Jon Rothstein named Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith one of the top five players in the Big Ten. He further went on to suggest that Smith is playing like one of the best point guards in the country.

Braden Smith is averaging 13.1 points, 7.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. He's shooting 44.1% from 3-point range and 82.2% from the free-throw line. With a 27-3 overall record (16-3 Big 10) the Boilermakers top the conference.

On ‘Drive to March Madness’ on CBS Sports, Rothstein said:

"I think we now have to make the statement: Braden Smith is one of the Top 5 players in the Big Ten. He should be an All-Big First-Team caliber player. Playing like one of the best point guards in the country."

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Braden Smith named a finalist for the Bob Cousy award

A month ago, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame released a watchlist of the top 10 point guards in the country. It did not feature Smith's name.

At the time, Boilermakers coach Matt Painter referenced legendary Indiana coach Bob Knight's saying:

“Basketball was watched by millions but understood by few.”

A month later, Smith's name featured on the list of nominees for the Bob Cousy Award alongside Tyler Kolek (Marquette), Tristen Newton (Connecticut), Mark Sears (Alabama) and Jamal Shead (Houston).

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