Since the NCAA allowed college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) four years ago, only four players who earned AP First Team All-America honors have chosen to return to college basketball the following season. Remarkably, two of these players hail from Purdue University.

Braden Smith, a standout guard, has recently opted to return for the 2025-26 season, despite being a coveted player who could have garnered significant interest in the transfer market or at the 2025 NBA Draft. His decision follows in the footsteps of former teammate Zach Edey, illustrating Purdue’s success at retaining top talent.

The Strategy Behind Purdue’s Success

Head Coach Matt Painter is steering Purdue’s program towards continuity rather than a transfer-heavy approach, focusing on character and team cohesion. Over the past two seasons, securing homegrown talent has proven beneficial for the Boilermakers’ roster development.

Statistically, Purdue stands out with impressive results, recording the eighth-most wins (280) among all college programs in the last decade. During this time, the team has achieved notable continuity among players, as evidenced by their consistent ranking in the upper echelons of the Big Ten for minutes continuity, a metric that assesses the stability of player lineups from one season to the next.

Recent Achievements

Recent performance data showcases Purdue’s prowess:

• Most Wins Since 2020-21:
• Houston: 160 Wins
• Gonzaga: 143 Wins
• Drake: 137 Wins
• Purdue: 134 Wins
• Duke: 134 Wins

Recruitment Philosophy

Purdue’s recruitment strategy prioritizes specific player traits over top rankings in recruiting classes. Notably, recent exceptional players like Braden Smith and Zach Edey were not heavily recruited by major programs, yet they have become instrumental in Purdue’s success.

“I look at it as I get the opportunity to see kids that might mold our program down the road,” said Coach Painter regarding his recruitment process. “I need to see kids in their environment and evaluate what they are like on and off the court as much as possible.”

Painter’s methodical approach focuses on identifying players with the right attitude and skills, which he refers to as “multipliers”—those who not only contribute but enhance the performance of their teammates.

Player Retention and Expectations

Braden Smith’s decision to return places him in a select group of players who have received First Team All-America honors and chosen to continue their college careers. This trend reflects in Purdue’s strategic vision as the team builds towards the 2025-26 season.

In the broader context, Smith joins a prestigious list of notable players who have returned to college basketball post-All-America recognition, including legends like Tyler Hansbrough and JJ Redick. His return is expected to bolster Purdue’s lineup, which may also feature other prominent players such as Trey Kaufman-Renn, who had a remarkable previous season.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025-26 season approaches, expectations are high for the Boilermakers. With the potential for multiple preseason All-Americans, Purdue is poised to be a formidable team. Currently, they are ranked fourth in the early CBS Sports Top 25 predictions, and ambitions for a No. 1 seeding are within reach as they look to capitalize on their returning talent and strong recruitment philosophy.