Purdue All-American Braden Smith will not return to college basketball, despite a new eligibility ruling that would have allowed recent seniors to play a fifth season. Smith was selected in the second round of the NBA draft by the Indiana Pacers, but he has not yet signed a rookie contract. The decision ends speculation that he might use the ruling to play another year in college.
The ruling, issued by courts, permits recent seniors to play a fifth year of college basketball. Several big-name players have filed lawsuits seeking to return to their college teams under the new rule. Smith would have been eligible to join that group, but he has chosen to remain with the Pacers instead of exploring that option.
The possibility of Smith returning to college raised questions about how it would have affected the Pacers, who hold his NBA rights. Had he opted to go back, it could have complicated the team's plans. Smith's decision to stay removes that uncertainty as he moves forward with his professional career.
The Pacers selected Smith in the draft, and he is expected to begin his NBA tenure with the team once his contract is finalized. The new eligibility ruling, while opening a path for some seniors to extend their college careers, will not be used by Smith as he proceeds with the Pacers.