Something clicked when Braden Smith saw Omer Mayer’s highlight reel. This wasn’t just another freshman recruit. This was the guy Purdue had been talking about needing for years. Smith wasn’t simply a spectator in Mayer’s journey to West Lafayette– he was a major part of making it happen, and now he’s living the daily grind of building an on-court partnership with Mayer. So, how do two talented guards actually learn to share the spotlight?

How Did Braden Smith Help Recruit Omer Mayer to Purdue?

Smith didn’t just hear about Mayer– he initiated contact. While appearing on “The Field of 68: After Dark” YouTube show, he shared how coach Matt Painter gave him Mayer’s WhatsApp number and encouraged him to reach out.

“PJ told me we got a guy coming in that he thinks could really help and benefit our team, and he told me to reach out,” Smith explained. “He gave me his WhatsApp number since he was from overseas. So I texted him on WhatsApp. I was like, ‘Hey man, like super excited. Been watching some of your clips.’”

Painter sent Smith a long highlight video showing Mayer’s skills– his ability to start the offense, make plays for teammates, and score. Seeing another guard with this kind of game made Smith realize what Purdue could do with a balanced backcourt. Plus, it meant Smith wouldn’t have to carry the entire load alone.

“I was watching and I was like, ‘Man, it’d be awesome like having somebody else to play with,’” Smith said. “And obviously I’ve never had that before. Like and that’s no offense to anybody I’ve played with. Just you haven’t had anybody like him.”

This move wasn’t random. Purdue’s need for a guard like Mayer had been clear for seasons, especially after their 2024 national championship game run and the next year’s Sweet Sixteen loss to Houston. Smith said the coaches kept telling him they needed someone with Mayer’s skillset so history didn’t repeat itself.

“We’ve said this for a few years. Like you need somebody like him. We can help you,” Smith explained.

How Are Smith and Mayer Adjusting to Playing Together?

Smith and Mayer know there’s work to do before things feel natural. Learning to play together isn’t a walk in the park. Smith admitted there have been challenging pickup games and honest conversations about sharing ball-handling duties.

“It’s going to be an adjustment for me. It’s an adjustment for him. We’ve talked about it. I’ve text him about it,” Smith said. “Like he’s called me after we’ve had a couple bad days of pickup this past couple weeks. Like, hey man, I’m sorry this isn’t me.”

Smith has stepped up as a mentor, but he’s quick to admit he’s learning too. For the first time in his career, he’s got another guy who can run the offense just as well. “I’m like, ‘dude, like you’re good. You’re good. Like it’s part of me, figuring it out too.’ Like I’m always like with the ball in my hands and all that stuff. So it’s as much as an adjustment for me as it is for you.”

There’s plenty of excitement underneath the growing pains. Smith likes the idea of playing off Mayer, taking catch-and-shoot threes, and not always being the focal point. “The thing is that we’re both good enough to be able to play off each other,” Smith explained. “Whether you have the ball, like I’d love to stand in the corner and just shoot a wide open three. Conserve some energy.”

After three years of doing most of the heavy lifting, Smith is looking forward to some easier, wide-open looks– something new for him. Mayer can score and pass, and it takes the pressure off Smith every possession. “He’s got that ability to do what I do and pass the ball and create for others and go score for himself,” Smith noted.

Smith’s efforts to welcome Mayer and guide him through the tough parts show how committed he is to this partnership. If their chemistry comes together, Purdue’s backcourt might finally have the balance they’ve been missing the last few postseasons.