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Purdue Basketball: Five storylines to follow for the 2017 Big Ten Tournament

By Bryce Bennett

Feb 28, 2017; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) stands along the foul line during a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeats Indiana 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) stands along the foul line during a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeats Indiana 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 5, 2017; Evanston, IL, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Vincent Edwards (12) goes up for a shot against Northwestern Wildcats center Dererk Pardon (left) during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Evanston, IL, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Vincent Edwards (12) goes up for a shot against Northwestern Wildcats center Dererk Pardon (left) during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

4. How well will Vincent Edwards play?

One of Purdue’s most important pieces is coming off one of his best game’s this season.

Vincent Edwards took advantage of Northwestern’s double-team on Caleb Swanigan and scored 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting.

The veteran stretch four has had an interesting and sometimes up-and-down junior season. He was benched mid-year due to some lineup changes from coach Matt Painter, but didn’t sulk and took the 6th man role in stride. Production and fit with Caleb Swanigan and Isaac Haas has been difficult at times. Edwards loves to drive the ball, but the lane can get clogged from time-to-time with Purdue’s post-heavy offense.

Edwards gives Purdue an element they need to be successful. He is a 6’8″ forward who can pass, dribble, rebound and shoot. When teams double Swanigan and Haas, he can be a key beneficiary. How well he plays dictates much of Purdue’s success.

During Purdue’s last seven games (6-1), Edwards has played excellent.

He has averaged 16 points per game on 54 percent shooting. Twice he has gone into hostile Big Ten road environments (Indiana, Northwestern) and scored at least 25 points. He also stuffs the stat sheet with rebounds and assists. Consider this recent line in a home win versus Indiana: 14 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

For Purdue to win a championship this week, he has to play well. A passive, foul-prone Edwards could spell an early exit for the Boilermakers this weekend. He is an important barometer for the team as a whole.

Next, let’s take a look at another one of Purdue’s key weapons: shooting.

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