Braden Smith Embracing Purdue's Underdog Status in Championship: 'I Love It'

Purdue will take the floor in Monday night's national championship as a 6.5-point underdog vs. UConn. But point guard Braden Smith isn't fazed by that status. He says he loves the challenge, and believes the Boilermakers will respond well.

Apr 5, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Purdue Boilermakers guard Braden Smith (3) during practice before / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

When Purdue hits the floor on Monday night against UConn in the national championship, it will do so as the underdog. The Huskies opened as a 6.5-point favorite in the game (via FanDuel), a bit of a slight against the Boilermakers' success during this impressive postseason run.

Sophomore guard Braden Smith is unfazed by Purdue's underdog status heading into Monday's game. He says it's a role he's embraced throughout his entire basketball career.

"Personally, my whole life I've been the underdog," Smith said. "High school, (at Purdue), as a point guard. I've always been the underdog. I love it. I love the challenge, I think any competitor loves the challenge.

"It's obviously not going to be easy, but when you've got a team full of guys who want the challenge and accept the challenge — I think it's gonna be a good game."

Smith was an under-recruited point guard out of Westfield High School (Westfield, Ind.) yet has found tremendous success in West Lafayette. The sophomore has been a key cog in Purdue's success this season, averaging 12 points, 7.5 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.

For Purdue to have a chance against UConn, Smith will have to play well. But that's a challenge he sounds prepared to face.

All season long, Purdue and UConn have been considered the two best teams in college basketball. Having the Boilermakers and Huskies meet in the national championship seems like the perfect way to round out the season.

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