Middletown’s Edwards reaches 1,000 points at Purdue: Five things to know

Vince Edwards became the 50th player in Purdue history to reach 1,000 points Saturday during an 80-63 victory against Michigan State.

Edwards, a junior from Middletown High School, reached the milestone on a three-point play early in the second half.

RELATED: Edwards playing key role for Purdue

He is averaging 11.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists for the Boilermakers, who are 22-5 and in first place in the Big Ten at 11-3.

Here are five more things to know about Edwards.

Tournament tough

Edwards helped lead Purdue to the NCAA tournament in his first two seasons, and the Boilermakers appear to be a lock for a third consecutive trip.

In a first-round game against Cincinnati as a freshman, Edwards became the first player in Purdue history to have at least 14 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in an NCAA tournament game.

In last year’s first-round loss to Arkansas-Little Rock, Edwards had a team-high 24 points, 13 rebounds and an assist.

His NCAA tournament averages are 19.0 ppg, 10.5 rpg and 4.0 apg.

Nationally known

He is one of 10 players in the country, and one of two juniors, to have scored at least 975 points (1,002) with at least 475 rebounds (476), 250 assists (274) and 100 3-pointers (112).

Edwards entered the season as one of two active players in the country to have at least 675 points, 325 rebounds, 175 assists and 75 3-pointers by the end of their sophomore season. Oregon All-American Dillon Brooks is the other.

Freshmen feats

Edwards made an immediate mark at Purdue, winning three Big 10 Freshman of the Week awards and setting the school record for assists by a non-guard (90).

He also was the first Purdue freshman to record at least 26 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in a game when achieved those numbers in a win against IUPUI.

RELATED: Edwards helps Boilers sink Buckeyes

On the Purdue freshman single-season list, he ranks 12th in points (290), seventh in rebounds (159), fourth in free-throw percentage (.788), sixth in assists (90) and fifth in minutes (889).

Famous family

Edwards comes from a family full of athletic accomplishments. His father, Bill, is a Wright State Hall of Famer who holds the school’s single-game (45), season (757) and career (2,303) scoring records in addition to being the career rebounding leader (907). He appeared in three games for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1994 and went on to play 12 seasons in Europe.

RELATED: Edwards’ versatility rooted in upbringing

Vince’s older brother, Bill Jr., starred at Middletown before playing at Penn State and Miami.

And Vince’s cousin, Zach, recently completed his senior season as a safety at Cincinnati and is eligible for the NFL Draft in April.

High school heroics

Edwards scored 1,614 points at Middletown High School, which ranks second on the school’s all-time list behind NBA Hall of Famer Jerry Lucas.

As a senior with the Middies, Edwards was named the Greater Miami Conference, Southwest District and Ohio Player of the Year.

RELATED: Edwards commits to Purdue

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