Braden Smith Takes Center Stage: A Glimpse into Purdue's Dominant Start

You know, there's just something about early-season college basketball that feels a bit like finding your footing, doesn't it? For Purdue, the initial steps seem to be landing just right, especially after a rather convincing win over Oakland. And honestly, a lot of that credit, for this particular outing anyway, belongs squarely to Braden Smith. He truly, for lack of a better phrase, stepped up.

Smith, the sophomore guard, delivered a career-best 20 points. But it wasn't just the scoring — though that was certainly impressive enough — it was the overall command he showed on the court. Six assists, six rebounds; it’s a stat line that paints a picture of a player really finding his stride, directing traffic, making crucial plays. Coach Matt Painter, who isn't one for hyperbole, noted Smith's growth, his sharper decision-making. You could say, he looked like a general out there.

Now, of course, you can’t talk about Purdue basketball without mentioning Zach Edey. The big man, the reigning National Player of the Year, did what Zach Edey does: he snagged another double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. That’s his 30th, if you're keeping count, which is frankly just remarkable. His presence alone warps the game, creating space, drawing defenders. But for once, he wasn’t the sole gravitational pull; Smith was pulling some weight, too, which is a fantastic sign for the Boilermakers.

Fletcher Loyer, another key piece, also chipped in 15 points, demonstrating that this Purdue squad has multiple offensive weapons. They shot an impressive 51.7% from the field, a testament to good ball movement and, yes, some smart shot selection. Oakland, in truth, struggled to keep pace. Their 33.3% shooting and 16 turnovers tell a story of a team trying, but ultimately getting overwhelmed by a disciplined Purdue defense and an offense that just found its rhythm.

Jack Gohlke led Oakland with 15 points, a bright spot for them, but it simply wasn’t enough to stem the tide. The final score, 79-59, really underscores Purdue's control throughout the contest. They move to a confident 3-0 start, looking like a team that’s not just leaning on its star, but developing a deeper, more varied threat. And that, dear reader, makes for some truly exciting basketball as the season rolls on.