Purdue's Zach Edey joins Chris Webber as Big Ten royalty

If you've been following along with Big Ten basketball this season it can't be all that surprising to hear that Purdue center Zach Edey has been named the conference's player of the year for the 2022-23 season.

What is a bit surprising, though, is the historic nature of Edey's season. The eye test says he's been dominant, but the stats absolutely confirm it.

The 7-foot-4, 295-pound junior from Toronto averaged 21.9 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocked shots this regular season. Even more impressive are his totals. 

He finished with 658 points, 385 rebounds, and 68 blocked shots. In fact, he's the first Big Ten player since Chris Webber to total at least 600 points, 350 rebounds, and 50 blocked shots in a season. 

In terms of Big Ten basketball players, few are more prolific than Webber. He was a two-time All-NCAA Tournament player and averaged 14.4 points, 10 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.5 blocks per season in two seasons with the Michigan Wolverines.

Edey's Purdue team may not be at the popularity level of the "Fab Five" but it's worth noting that the Boilermakers do have what it takes to win it all this March. 

Purdue finished the regular season at 26-5, ranked No. 5 nationally. The Boilermakers are the top seed in the Big Ten basketball tournament and are likely on their way to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

If the Boilermakers do go on a big run through March Madness, expect Edey to be a huge part of it.