The Big Ten conference has made its pick for the top player before the season even begins, and it's a familiar face! Purdue's Braden Smith has been named the preseason Player of the Year for the third year in a row, a testament to his consistent dominance on the court. But is this a fair choice, or is the Big Ten playing favorites?
Smith, a senior guard, is coming off a remarkable season where he averaged 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and a staggering 8.7 assists per game. He was the driving force behind Purdue's success, earning him the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's best point guard. And this is the part most people miss: Smith's impact goes beyond the stats, as he's known for his leadership and ability to make his teammates better.
The selection of Smith as preseason POY is not without controversy. Some argue that a three-peat is an overkill, especially with other rising stars in the conference. But here's where it gets interesting: Smith was the only unanimous choice for the preseason All-Big Ten Team, indicating that experts widely recognize his talent. Joining him on this prestigious team is his teammate Trey Kaufman-Renn, who averaged 20.1 points and 6.5 rebounds last season, and several other standout players from across the conference.
The Big Ten's decision to honor Smith for the third consecutive year raises questions. Is it a reward for sustained excellence, or is the conference lacking in new talent? Are the voters simply playing it safe, or is Smith truly head and shoulders above the rest?
As Purdue gears up for their season opener against Evansville on November 4th, the spotlight will be on Smith to see if he can live up to the hype yet again. Will he silence the critics or fuel the debate? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
