How Omer Mayer returning to Purdue basketball fits roster as Braden Smith leaves big shoes to fill
Omer Mayer called Braden Smith his "big brother for life." Mayer returns to the Boilermakers who have depth at guard, needing to fill a legend's shoes.
Omer Mayer 's Purdue men's basketball plan was always discussed in two phases — one in which he played with Braden Smith, and one in which he succeeded him. That agenda remains set for 2026-27. Jonathan Givony of Draft Express reported Monday he heard that from Mayer's representatives at CAA.
The Israeli spent his freshman season learning behind — and playing alongside, at times — Division I's all-time assists leader. Now he enters the second phase, one which he sought when deciding to become a Boilermaker in the first place. "I've said it before — I have two siblings, both younger than me," Mayer said after the season-ending loss to Arizona in the Elite Eight.
"Now I have a big brother for life. As simple as that. This guy has done so much for this team, and for me, personally.
" Mayer will take what he learned from this freshman experience and apply it to being a big part of running what annually expects to be one of the nation's most efficient offenses. Smith's command of the offense — both in minutes and method — did not leave a lot of time to evaaluate what a Mayer-led offense might look like. His 14.