The 2015-16 BIG EAST Player of the Year is Providence Friars guard Kris Dunn.

The preseason pick to win the award, Dunn is now a back-to-back winner of the award after splitting it with Villanova Wildcats guard Ryan Arcidiacono a season ago. In doing so, the New London, Connecticut native joins very elite company. Only Troy Bell, Rip Hamilton, Troy Murphy, Patrick Ewing and Chris Mullin have won multiple BIG EAST Player of the Year awards.

Now, that company can include the Friars' do-it-all guard.

Dunn averaged 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 2.7 steals per game while shooting 44.3 percent from the field.

Rapid reaction on its way, but first, congratulations to Dunn for receiving this honor.

RAPID REACTION: Surprised... I figured Ben Bentil would get some strong consideration for the award after a strong season, especially so in conference play. Bentil was damn near unstoppable every time he was on the floor and was a brilliant scorer as well. Josh Hart would have also been a fine choice. Hart was efficient in most if not all categories and was terrific for the best team in the BIG EAST.

I think Whitehead's case is likely comparable to Yoenis Cespedes, who of course helped fuel the Mets to the postseason. It was a little too late for him even with his strong finish. I think that he's a great player and will likely show out during the BIG EAST Tournament and the NCAA Tournament, but his push towards the end just was not enough.

But, Dunn winning the award isn't something I'm complaining about strongly. The New London, Connecticut native certainly had a very strong case, doing it all for the Friars in just about every facet and was a lockdown defender as well. So while I'm surprised, I'm not blindsided. Dunn definitely deserved the honor.