Purdue's Smith leaps Hurley as NCAA assists king
Braden Smith breaks Bobby Hurley's all-time assists record during NCAA tournament.
Summary
In a significant achievement for collegiate basketball, Braden Smith broke the NCAA all-time assists record previously held by Bobby Hurley. Smith reached a total of 1,077 assists during a first-round game of the NCAA tournament.
This milestone not only marks a personal success for Smith but also highlights Purdue's competitive performance in the tournament. The game against Queens University served as the backdrop for this historic moment.
The implications of this record extend beyond individual accolades, as it reflects the evolving dynamics of playmaking and assist distribution in college basketball, emphasizing the importance of strategic passing in team success.
Updates
Update at 08:09 UTC on 2026-03-21
CBS Sports reported Smith broke the record on Friday in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Sources: CBS Sports