BREAKING NEWS: Purdue Boilermakers Mens Basketball Guard Braden Smith whom involved in media, including launching his own podcast, sent a Shocking message to Purdue Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter and the Entire Purdue Boilermakers Team concerning his…see more

BREAKING NEWS: Purdue Boilermakers Star Braden Smith Sends Shocking Message to Coach Matt Painter and Entire Team Regarding His Future and Off-Court Vision

West Lafayette, IN — In a surprise announcement that has sent shockwaves through college basketball and Boilermaker Nation, Purdue men’s basketball guard Braden Smith, known for his leadership on the court and rising influence in media, delivered a shocking and heartfelt message to Head Coach Matt Painter and the entire Purdue program — one that could redefine his path moving forward.

The 6’0” junior, fresh off a breakout season and the recent launch of his popular student-athlete podcast, “Baseline to Big Time,” used the platform to reveal a deeply personal decision regarding both his future in basketball and his commitment to broader causes that reach beyond the hardwood.

“Coach Painter, teammates, Boilermaker fans — I’ve spent months thinking about this, and I need to share it with you all honestly,” Smith said during the podcast’s latest episode. “This isn’t just about playing ball anymore. It’s about purpose, and knowing when to step back and lead in a different way.”

🛑 The Shocking Message: A Temporary Step Away

Braden Smith announced he plans to step away from Purdue basketball following the upcoming season to pursue a unique and bold mission: to focus full-time on mental health advocacy, student-athlete leadership development, and media work aimed at empowering young athletes.

He emphasized that this is not a permanent departure from basketball, but a temporary break to prioritize personal growth, mentorship, and the larger issues many student-athletes face in silence.

“We put on the jersey, we play hard — but so many of us are struggling behind the scenes. I’ve been there. I want to help change that,” Smith said.

🔈 The Mission: Building a Movement Off the Court

Smith detailed plans to launch a nationwide initiative called “Voices in the Locker Room”, which will include:

• A mental health and wellness tour across college campuses

• Peer-led workshops focused on navigating pressure, NIL challenges, and athlete identity

• Continued expansion of his podcast to feature stories from athletes, coaches, and mental health experts

He also shared that proceeds from his podcast’s sponsorships and NIL earnings will help fund scholarships for student-athletes who are struggling with access to mental health care.

🎙️ Coach & Team Reaction

Head Coach Matt Painter, known for fostering a strong culture of discipline and character, released a statement praising Smith’s courage and leadership:

“Braden has always led with maturity beyond his years. While we’d love to have him forever, we respect and support his decision. He’s still part of our team — always.”

Several Purdue teammates shared their support on social media. One tweet from teammate Fletcher Loyer read:

“Proud of my brother. Takes guts to do what he’s doing. That’s real leadership.”

👀 What’s Next?

Braden Smith will play out the 2025–2026 NCAA season with the Boilermakers before stepping away from competitive basketball. In the meantime, he’ll continue to juggle his on-court responsibilities with his growing influence as a voice for change in college sports.

He ended his podcast episode with a powerful message:

“I’m not done playing — I’m just getting started leading. This is bigger than hoops. This is about building something that lasts, even when the buzzer sounds.”

As Purdue fans rally behind their star, it’s clear that Braden Smith’s legacy will be defined by far more than stats. He’s emerging as a trailblazer, not only for the Boilermakers — but for student-athletes everywhere.