Just one time watching Braden Smith play, and you’ll most likely join his fanbase. He’s not built like a prototypical guard and doesn’t have the flashy athleticism that usually earns draft buzz. But he’s arguably the best point guard in Purdue’s history. He’s simply better at basketball than most—calm under pressure, blessed with excellent court vision, and an unteachable poise that sets him apart. But Smith isn’t just limited to what he does on the court. There’s another side to Braden’s life that fans rarely see.

Braden Smith’s Early Life and Background

Born in Russellville, Arkansas, Smith was raised in a household deeply rooted in sports. Both his parents played in college before going on to coach the game themselves—and that’s exactly what fuels Smith’s basketball journey.

He first attended Westfield High School, where he made it to the varsity basketball team. Averaging 18.5 points with 5.4 rebounds per game during his sophomore season, he earned a spot on the First Team All-Hoosier Crossroad Conference. From there, his performance only elevated each year.

Notably, in his junior year, he averaged 22.1 points with 6.2 rebounds per game. He was even named Indiana Mr. Basketball as he led Westfield to its first-ever sectional championship title. As a result, he was rated a three-star recruit and received offers from Belmont, North Texas, Toledo, Montana, and Appalachian State. But he chose Purdue—the only major conference offer—over the rest.

That’s where his talent truly began to capture attention. Sure, he doesn’t fit the mold NBA scouts are obsessed with, but his skill set sets him apart. That’s exactly what he displayed during the 2024 season. Still, Smith’s personality isn’t limited to basketball—he’s got a private yet intriguing personal life.

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Who Is Braden Smith’s Girlfriend?

Braden Smith’s relationship status—whether he has a girlfriend or not—hasn’t been publicly disclosed, as he keeps his life quite private. However, there’s speculation that he’s dating Gracy Lux, a swimmer for the Purdue Boilermakers.

And yes, there’s a reason behind the assumptions. The only girl fans have seen Smith post photos with on Instagram is Gracy. They’ve been spotted having dinner, shopping, and attending games together. The first post dates back to August on Braden’s birthday.

“Happy birthday b❤️,” captioned Gracy while posting pictures with Braden as he turned 22. Then, in September, Gracy shared more photos with the caption, “You’re the sun to me.” So, while it’s not confirmed, there’s a strong possibility the two are dating. Gracy recently completed her junior year and is pursuing a major in Selling and Sales Management.