Braden Smith was long going to be part of Purdue basketball lore, and he’s cemented his spot in Big Ten history, too.
The Boilermakers‘ point guard from Westfield entered Saturday night’s game at Wisconsin needing nine assists to tie Michigan State’s Cassius Winston (890) for the league’s career high mark. With 12 assists in Purdue’s 89-73 win over Wisconsin, Smith stands alone with 893 (and counting) with at least 19 games to play, including the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments.
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Former Duke guard Bobby Hurley holds the all-time Division I record of 1,076.
Watch: History! Purdue’s Braden Smith is Big Ten’s all-time assists leader
Insider likes, dislikes: Braden Smith’s historic night brings Purdue comfortable win at Wisconsin
In a home victory over Marquette on Dec. 13, Smith became the second Division-I player to achieve 1,500 points, 850 assists and 650 rebounds in his career. Ohio’s D.J. Cooper was the first.
Smith came into the season ranked 79th in Division I history in assists, per Sports Reference. He moved into the top 20 during the Wisconsin game, then caught Winston, who ranked 19th.
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Reaching 902 assists would put him in the all-time top 15, and reaching 950 would put him in the top 10.
The Westfield native also already set the record for assists by a player from an Indiana high school and by a player from an Indiana college. Notre Dame’s Chris Thomas (833) held both distinctions.
Here’s a look at the postgame celebration and how program alums, fans and analysts reacted.
Reaction to Braden Smith Big Ten assists record
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Braden Smith Big Ten assists record reactions, Purdue basketball celebration
