Big Ten Basketball: Top 5 rising juniors for 2018-19

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 23: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

6 of 6

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

1. Carsen Edwards, Purdue

Carsen Edwards has emerged as one of the top guards in the nation after the Purdue Boilermakers went 30-7 in 2017-18. The Boilermakers made it all the way to the NCAA East Region Semifinals last season behind the play of Edwards. He led the team with 18.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game as a sophomore, showing off his ability from behind the arc.

Edwards finished the season shooting 40.6 percent from 3-point range, fourth in the Big Ten while also finishing second in the conference in points per game. His 97 made 3-point field goals ranked second in the Big Ten as well. In his junior year, look for him to eclipse 100 made 3-pointers.

Next: Big Ten Preseason Rankings for 2018-19

There’s a lot of hype surrounding Edwards’ return to the Boilermakers. The rising junior worked out for seven NBA teams before making the decision to return to the college ranks. After getting feedback on what to improve on, look for Edwards to push the envelope for Big Ten Player of the Year.

Home/Big Ten