Big Ten’s Basketball Boom Fuels Record NBA Draft Haul
A look at how the Big Ten’s blend of one‑and‑done stars, transfer portal acquisitions and name‑image‑likeness money produced a historic draft class and reshaped college basketball.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Braden Smith across Basketball, Football.
A look at how the Big Ten’s blend of one‑and‑done stars, transfer portal acquisitions and name‑image‑likeness money produced a historic draft class and reshaped college basketball.
After becoming Purdue’s all‑time leader in three‑point shooting, Fletcher Loyer has agreed to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Clippers, opening a pathway to the Summer League and a potential roster spot.
After going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, Fletcher Loyer signed a one‑year Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, bringing his sharpshooting and basketball IQ to a new professional environment.

Four players selected in the second round of the recent NBA draft find themselves behind established stars and veteran depth, raising questions about development pathways and the role of minor leagues.
After a standout season at Purdue, Oscar Cluff is heading to the NBA summer league with the Houston Rockets, aiming to convert his collegiate rebounding and scoring prowess into a sustainable NBA role.

Trey Kaufman‑Renn, a fifth‑year Purdue standout, was selected in the second round of the NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, who recently traded Julius Randle, opening a path for the versatile forward alongside Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels.

The 2026 NBA Draft saw Purdue seniors Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman‑Renn selected, ending a 15‑year wait for two Boilermaker draftees in the same year.

Trey Kaufman-Renn’s selection at pick 59 marks a rare double-draft moment for Purdue and underscores his rise from role player to NBA hopeful.
Selected 59th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, Kaufman-Renn caps a three‑year Purdue run that saw him evolve into a defensive anchor and reliable scorer, poised to contribute immediately to the Timberwolves.
Trey Kaufman‑Renn was selected 59th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2026 NBA Draft, bringing a versatile offensive skill set and a proven pick‑and‑roll partnership with guard Braden Smith to the franchise.

The Bulls finalized a trade that brings former Marquette guard Kam Jones to Chicago, adding a versatile playmaker to their roster after the draft.
The Chicago Bulls selected Braden Smith in the 2026 NBA Draft and immediately traded him to the Indiana Pacers, where he hopes to contribute as a rookie.

The Indiana Pacers have secured Braden Smith in a trade that involved sending guard Kam Jones and additional assets to the Chicago Bulls, positioning the team for a new chapter as Tyrese Haliburton returns from injury.

The Chicago Bulls have dealt Braden Smith to the Indiana Pacers, a transaction that plugs a key gap in the Pacers' backcourt as Tyrese Haliburton recuperates from a season‑ending injury.
Braden Smith, the Purdue point guard who rewrote the NCAA record books, is headed to the Indiana Pacers after a draft‑day trade that sent him from the Chicago Bulls to the Pacers in exchange for guard Kam Jones, future pick swaps and cash.

The Cyclones are set to travel to the Dallas Cowboys' practice facility for Big 12 Media Days as they unveil a ranked list of the 25 players expected to shape the 2026 campaign.

Meleek Thomas, Henri Veesar, Braden Smith and Trevon Brazile emerge as standout second‑round candidates with distinct skill sets that could translate into valuable fantasy assets.

The first round of the NBA draft surprised many as Isaiah Evans, a Duke standout, was not selected, opening the stage for a deep pool of talent including Meleek Thomas, Henri Veesaar and others.
From leading Purdue to an Elite Eight run to becoming the NCAA’s all‑time assist leader, Braden Smith is projected as a second‑round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, drawing comparisons to past trailblazers.
Braden Smith, a Purdue guard, discusses how his college experience prepares him for the NBA, citing admiration for late‑round successes like Jalen Brunson and T.J. McConnell.

Only 38.6% of last season’s scoring returns, prompting Purdue to lean on a mix of holdovers and fresh talent.

With rosters still in flux, the Big Ten braces for a 2026‑27 campaign marked by NBA draft entries, transfer portal moves and a handful of players still eligible for college play.
CJ Cox, Purdue's only returning starter, is being asked to step out of his comfort zone and become a vocal leader for the Boilermakers ahead of the new season.

C.J. Cox and Gicarri Harris are poised to lead a young Purdue squad through a season of transition, bringing new energy and accountability to the program.