Zach Edey Shared a Cool Moment With Shaq Right After Purdue's Win Over NC State

Hardcore basketball fans may bristle at a comparison (beyond their heights) between Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal and Purdue center Zach Edey.

O'Neal, after all, went first overall in the 1992 NBA draft. Edey may be lucky to crack the first round.

On Saturday, however, Edey achieved something O'Neal wasn't able to accomplish with LSU: he took the Boilermakers to a national championship game. The big man scored 20 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in Purdue's 63-50 Final Four victory over NC State.

After the game, O'Neal and Edey met for the first time, with the former giving the latter plaudits.

"Great to finally meet you, man. It's an honor," Edey told O'Neal.

Edey, who was named the AP Player of the Year for the second time Friday, continued to make history—extending a streak that has put him in hallowed company.

The Boilermakers will meet either Connecticut or Alabama in Monday's national championship game.