Patriot League Player of the Year Braeden Smith sets up visits in ACC, Big Ten

Colgate transfer guard Braeden Smith has visited Davidson and will visit Washington, California and Gonzaga in the coming week, per Jeff Goodman. Smith spent two seasons at Colgate, starting in all 70 of his appearances.

This past season, Smith averaged 12.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 39.3% from the field and 31.1% from beyond the arc. In Colgate’s 92-67 loss to Baylor in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Smith tallied 10 points, four rebounds and two steals.

For his efforts in the 2023-24 campaign, Smith was named the 2024 Patriot League Player of the Year. He was the first sophomore to win the award since the 2014-15 season. Smith averaged 16.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game in the Patriot League Tournament to earn MVP honors.

In his freshman season, Smith averaged 11.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per contest while shooting 48.1% from the floor and 36.1% from downtown. In turn, he was named a finalist for National Freshman of the Year.

Braeden Smith played high school basketball at Seattle Prep (WA), where he was an unranked prospect in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

During his four years as a starter at Seattle Prep, Smith was a two-time Metro League Athlete of the Year. He amassed 1,403 points during his high school career and set the school record for career assists (502) and steals (210).

Along with his decision to enter the transfer portal, Smith released a heartfelt message on social media.

“First and foremost l want to give thanks to the lord!” Smith wrote. “I know that he has been with me throughout this tremendously dificult process. I want to thank Colgate University for accepting me into their wonderful community. I have enjoyed getting to build relationships in the classroom and community here in Hamilton. To my coaches and teammates, thank you for the incredible journey.

“We have made so many great memories in my first wo collegiate years that I will forever cherish. I have so much love and appreciation for evervone here and am very grateful for my experience. After lots of thought, prayer, and conversations with my family I have made an extremely hard decision! have decided to enter the transfer portal and see what else is possibly out there for me on this journey.”