Braden Smith, a Purdue University basketball player, surpassed E’Twaun Moore’s program record for total minutes played during Tuesday’s game against Nebraska, reaching 4,518 minutes. Smith achieved the milestone in his 134th career game, all of which he has started, exceeding Moore’s previous record of 4,517 minutes set between 2007 and 2011.
Moore, who went on to play 10 seasons in the NBA with teams including the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, Modern Orleans Pelicans, and Phoenix Suns, established the previous record in 140 career games, including 135 starts. Smith needed to play 27 minutes against Nebraska to break the record, a feat he accomplished during the Boilermakers’ 80-77 overtime victory.
Purdue coach Matt Painter acknowledged Smith’s consistent performance and durability, noting the significance of surpassing a record held by a player who enjoyed a successful professional career. Painter’s comments came as Purdue triumphed over Nebraska, a game described as thrilling by multiple sources.
The achievement highlights Smith’s consistent role in the Purdue lineup and his contribution to the team’s success. He entered Tuesday’s game having started every contest of his collegiate career.
Sam King of the Journal & Courier reported on Smith’s accomplishment, detailing the historical context of the record and the player’s path to surpassing it.