WEST LAFAYETTE — Zach Edey’s speedy rise as a basketball famous person now takes the 7-foot-4 heart to a brand new vacation spot.
The Memphis Grizzlies franchise chosen Purdue basketball’s Edey with the No. 9 total decide in Wednesday’s first spherical of the NBA draft.
Edey started enjoying organized basketball seven years in the past. After Edey’s basketball upstart in Toronto, he attended IMG Academy in Florida earlier than coming to Purdue and main the Boilermakers to their first NCAA Remaining 4 since 1980 and first title recreation look since 1969 final April.
Now the two-time consensus Nationwide Participant of the Yr turns into the tenth Purdue participant drafted who performed beneath Boilermaker coach Matt Painter, and 51st total in program historical past.
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What Purdue heart Zach Edey brings to the Grizzlies
Edey’s most fascinating asset is measurement.
On the 2024 NBA draft mix, Edey measured 7-4 with out footwear. At Purdue, he was an elite shot blocker (1.7 per recreation over 4 seasons, 2.2 per recreation final season) and rebounder (12.9 and 12.2 per recreation, respectively, final two seasons).
As a predominantly back-to-the-basket submit, Edey averaged higher than 25 factors per recreation as a senior. Edey was a profession 62.1% shooter at Purdue and 70.6% from the free throw line. Edey additionally excelled within the pick-and-roll, combining with level guard Braden Smith.
Edey’s skill to create house for ball handlers must be an asset that enhances his NBA inventory.
“Purdue’s system acquired extra NBA oriented in my remaining yr,” Edey stated. “We ran much more ball screens, we did much more actions, much more shifting. That’s going to assist me on the subsequent stage.”
Unanswered questions on Zach Edey
The knock towards Edey is that he does not unfold the ground akin to at this time’s NBA offenses. Most of his factors in school got here both within the paint or on the free throw line.
Edey showcased his lengthy vary taking pictures on the draft mix, making 14 of 25 3-pointers in entrance of scouts. However he tried simply two at Purdue, and banked in his solely make.
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At Purdue, Edey was a rim protector. Although he at occasions confirmed he might come out and defend on the perimeter, or at the least get well along with his size if overwhelmed off the dribble, Edey is extra snug down low.
In the end, there are nonetheless elements of Edey’s recreation that have to adapt for the NBA. However Edey’s all the time been coachable and has proven important enhancements yearly all through his school profession.
Sam King covers sports activities for the Journal & Courier. E mail him at sking@jconline.com and observe him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.
This text initially appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Memphis Grizzlies decide Purdue basketball’s Zach Edey in 2024 NBA Draft