The Purdue Boilermakers continue to make headlines in March Madness, and so does their star point guard, Braden Smith. As the Boilermakers charge through the NCAA Tournament, Smith has not only been delivering on the court but also securing major opportunities off it.
Purdue recently punched their ticket to the Sweet 16 with a commanding 76-62 victory over McNeese State in the Round of 32. This win followed their opening-round triumph over High Point, where they cruised to a 75-63 victory. But before shifting full focus to their next challenge, Smith took to social media to share some exciting news regarding his NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) ventures.
Smith Signs NIL Deal with Stanley
As the NCAA Tournament shines a national spotlight on college basketball stars, brands are eager to collaborate with rising talents. Smith announced his latest NIL partnership with Stanley, a renowned brand known for its high-quality food and beverage containers.
With a simple yet powerful message—“Go Time”—Smith made the announcement via social media, further solidifying his growing influence in the NIL space.
Braden Smith’s NIL Success
According to On3, Smith currently holds an estimated $1.9 million NIL valuation, making him one of the most marketable players in college basketball. Before securing this deal with Stanley, he had already inked partnerships with The NIL Store, HEYDUDE Shoes, and the Purdue NIL Store.
His increasing prominence in the NIL world reflects not only his talent but also his appeal to major brands looking to connect with college sports fans.
Smith’s Impact on the Court
While NIL deals are great, Smith’s performance on the hardwood is what continues to make him a star. In Purdue’s win over McNeese State, the junior point guard put up 10 points, four rebounds, and five assists, once again proving his ability to control the game.
So far this season, Smith has been an elite facilitator, averaging 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game. His ability to orchestrate Purdue’s offense has made him one of the best playmakers in the country.
What’s Next for Smith and Purdue?
With their eyes on a deep tournament run, Smith and the Boilermakers are now gearing up for a Sweet 16 showdown against No. 1-seeded Houston. The game is set to tip off on Friday at 10:09 PM ET, in what promises to be an intense battle between two powerhouse teams.
As March Madness rolls on, Braden Smith continues to elevate both his game and his brand. Whether it’s leading Purdue on the court or landing high-profile NIL deals, he’s proving to be one of college basketball’s brightest stars.