In a move that has caught the attention of Purdue fans and college basketball followers nationwide, star guard Braden Smith has officially announced that he will be changing his jersey number ahead of the upcoming season. Smith, who has worn No. 3 since arriving at West Lafayette, will switch to No. 00, paying tribute to a Purdue Boilermakers legend while also opening the door for freshman guard C.J. Cox to take over No. 3 on the roster.
The announcement, made through a joint statement with the athletic department, was both symbolic and strategic. For Smith, now entering the peak years of his collegiate career, the change represents a fresh chapter and a nod to the program’s rich history. For Cox, it provides the chance to establish his own identity under the same number that Purdue fans have come to associate with Smith’s gritty leadership.
Braden Smith did not take the decision lightly. The junior guard, who has already established himself as one of the best floor generals in the Big Ten, made it clear that the jersey number change was deeply personal.
“This is about honoring the past while embracing the future,” Smith said in a press release. “I’ve been blessed to wear No. 3 at Purdue, but I’ve always admired the players who came before me. Wearing No. 00 is my way of paying tribute to those who built the foundation for what we’re doing here. It’s also about continuing to write my own story in a way that respects the program’s tradition.”
While Smith didn’t reveal the specific name of the legend he was honoring, insiders close to the program confirmed that the change was a nod to one of Purdue’s historic guards whose impact went beyond the stat sheet. For Smith, it is a gesture of respect—one that resonates with the values head coach Matt Painter has instilled in his players: humility, history, and hard work.
The Symbolism of No. 00
Jersey numbers often carry significance, and in college basketball, they can become part of a player’s identity. The **double zero** has traditionally represented “a new beginning” or “infinite potential,” and for Smith, it seems to carry both meanings.
Coming off a season in which he emerged as a national name, drawing comparisons to elite playmakers across the country, Smith now has the responsibility of leading Purdue into a new era. Zach Edey, the two-time National Player of the Year, is gone, and Smith will be asked to elevate his game even further. In this context, No. 00 feels like the perfect choice—a reminder that his role is restarting with new responsibilities, even as his leadership remains constant.
C.J. Cox to Wear No. 3
The other side of this announcement involves freshman guard **C.J. Cox**, who is officially listed on the roster as the new wearer of **No. 3**. Cox, a highly regarded recruit with a reputation for athleticism and defensive energy, will have the chance to make a name for himself while taking over a number recently associated with one of Purdue’s stars.
For Cox, the challenge will be to carve out his own legacy without being overshadowed by Smith’s previous accomplishments in that jersey. Yet the transition appears intentional. By passing down No. 3 to Cox, Smith is signaling confidence in the freshman’s potential to grow into a major contributor. It also reflects a culture of mentorship, with upperclassmen setting the tone for newcomers.
Matt Painter’s Perspective
Head coach Matt Painter expressed his approval of the move, emphasizing that such gestures reinforce the values Purdue basketball stands for.
“Braden has always been a team-first player,” Painter said. “This isn’t just about a number; it’s about leadership, respect, and tradition. Our program has always been about something bigger than one individual. For Braden to honor our history while welcoming C.J. into his own journey speaks volumes about the type of leader he is.”
Painter also noted that symbolic moves like this can have a lasting impact in the locker room. “Younger players see it, and they understand what Purdue basketball means,” he added. “It builds a culture that sustains success.”
Fan Reactions
News of the jersey change spread quickly across social media, sparking excitement and debate among Purdue fans. Some saw the switch as a bold, symbolic gesture, while others admitted they would need time to get used to seeing Smith in a different number after two standout seasons in No. 3.
“I love it,” one fan wrote on X. “Braden is embracing tradition while starting a new chapter. That’s what makes him special.”
Another fan commented, “I’ll miss seeing him in No. 3, but I think it’s great he’s giving the number to Cox. That shows leadership.”
Looking Ahead
With the jersey announcement now official, all eyes will shift to how Smith leads the Boilermakers in the post-Edey era. His playmaking, court vision, and scoring ability will be crucial if Purdue is to maintain its place among the nation’s elite programs. Wearing No. 00, Smith now has the opportunity to redefine himself not just as Purdue’s point guard but as the face of the program’s next chapter.
Meanwhile, Cox will begin his career under the spotlight of expectation. As a freshman, he will have time to grow into his role, but wearing No. 3 ensures that he will always carry a piece of Purdue’s present and future legacy.
Conclusion
Braden Smith’s decision to change from **No. 3 to No. 00** is about more than aesthetics—it’s a powerful tribute to Purdue basketball’s tradition and a symbol of the program’s evolving future. For Smith, the number represents a new beginning as he steps into a leadership role during one of the most pivotal seasons in recent memory. For Cox, it’s the start of a journey under a number that already carries weight.
Together, their stories reflect what Purdue basketball continues to be: a program that honors its past, embraces its present, and looks boldly toward the future.
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