Purdue women’s basketball has made a significant addition to its roster with the commitment of Kiki Smith, a former Arkansas guard and NJCAA National Champion. Smith’s impressive track record at both the junior college and NCAA Division I levels positions her as a valuable asset for the Boilermakers in the upcoming season.
Kiki Smith’s Journey from JUCO Stardom to Arkansas Razorbacks
Smith began her basketball career with Hutchinson Community College, where she played for the Blue Dragons team and led them to an undefeated season of 37-0 and their first national championship in NJCAA Division I history.
She did this with the help of a tremendous season that earned her the NJCAA Player of the Year. Smith led all players with an average of 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.7 steals per game with 56% shooting from the floor and 44% shooting from the three-point line.
NJCAA Player of the Year ✅
Double digit scorer in the SEC ✅
Now a Boilermaker ✅Welcome to West Lafayette @kikiiismith! pic.twitter.com/t7YvbYkHZy
— Purdue Women’s Basketball (@PurdueWBB) April 22, 2025
In the championship game, Smith scored 23 points and was named MVP of the tournament. Smith not only recorded Hutchinson’s freshman scoring record with 652 points scored but also exhibited her ability to perform under pressure.
Following two years at junior college, Smith moved to the University of Arkansas to continue playing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). During her second year at Arkansas University, Smith delivered 10.2 points and 2.0 assists, along with reaching 40 percent from beyond the arc and maintaining 42 percent field goal accuracy.
Impact on Purdue’s Backcourt and Team Dynamics
The Boilermakers gained a talented guard who demonstrated dedication to Purdue University through her commitment. Her skills in three-point shooting, together with her capability to drive the lane, strengthen Purdue’s offensive methods.
Katie Gearlds, the head coach, expressed her positive feelings about Smith and emphasized the quick positive effect she could have on team results.
The Purdue guard rotation will receive substantial support from Smith, who teams up with existing players, transfer Taylor Feldman, and guard Madison Layden-Zay. The team’s Big Ten Conference performance will receive an enhancement from the players’ collective expertise.
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By selecting Purdue University instead of other institutions TCU included, Smith demonstrated her faith in the Boilermakers’ coaching direction and staff. Her announcement appeared on Instagram, and she expressed her enthusiasm about starting her basketball career at Purdue.
In conclusion, Smith’s transition from a junior college standout to a key player in the SEC, and now to Purdue, highlights her dedication and adaptability. Her arrival at the Boilermakers will strengthen their team’s outcomes and add both court-based and non-court-based leadership.
The Boilermakers project Smith’s experience and talent to be vital factors in their upcoming season’s success.
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