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The 2024 NBA draft is just a few days away and here at College Sports Wire we are evaluating the college basketball stars who are hoping to hear their name called next Wednesday or Thursday.
There is not a single college basketball player who has performed better – or been talked about as much – over the past two seasons as Purdue center Zach Edey. Edey became the first player since Ralph Sampson to win back-to-back National Player of the Year awards, leading the Boilermakers to the national championship in March where they fell to the UConn Huskies.
Edey is polarizing as an NBA prospect. He’s an elite finisher around the rim due to his absolutely massive frame – measuring a legit 7’3 with a 7’10 wingspan and coming in at 299 pounds. Edey’s low post scoring will no doubt translate at the NBA level, but without an outside shot and limited lateral mobility, Edey becomes fairly one dimensional. If he can’t be used outside of drop coverage – and NBA teams aren’t funneling their offense through him – his role is less clear.
Still, the size, strength, productivity, high basketball IQ, and touch from the free throw line give Edey a path – and where he ends up and how he is utilized is arguably the most fascinating aspect of this entire draft class.
Below is a look at Edey’s draft profile, including his measurements at the combine, strengths and weaknesses as a player, and current projected draft range and team fits in the NBA:
Syndication: The Herald-Times
From: Toronto, Canada
Played: Purdue (2020-2024)
2023-24 Stats: 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 2.0 assists, 62.4% on twos, 71.1% from the free throw line
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 7’3.75
Weight: 299 pounds
Wingspan: 7’10.75
Standing Reach: 9’7
Max Vertical Leap: 31.5 inches
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
- An absolute mountain of a man, Edey’s 9’7 standing reach, 7’10 wingspan, and mobility for a guy weighing in around 300 pounds is completely unteachable and gives him a floor as an anchor on the block. Edey being on the court will force the opposing team to make alterations to their lineup
- Elite touch around the rim, with both hands, as well as an ability to establish position and finish through contact and get to the free throw line – where he has steadily improved
- Outstanding rim protector and shot blocker who will alter shots consistently thanks to his length, processing speed, and body control. Will be a well above average defender in drop coverage
- Fantastic screener who should thrive in a pick and roll offense, which means he is not limited exclusively to post up touches in the NBA
Syndication: Arizona Republic
- Succeeded in college in part to high usage rate, won’t get those same opportunities in the modern NBA where floor spacing is king. His presence on the floor will limit his own team’s offensive sets
- Will struggle defensively against smaller and quicker opponents, is limited to drop coverage duty as he will likely get played off the floor in switches
- Limited mobility will impact Edey’s effectiveness on both ends of the floor, and will be far more noticable against NBA level athletes
- Not a floor spacer, doesn’t score outside of the paint or the free throw line
Cheryl Evans-Arizona Republic
Draft Range: 9-30
CSW Mock: No. 23 to Milwaukee Bucks
Team Fits: Teams that need a backup center, are willing to play drop coverage, and already have a floor spacing big on the roster. Milwaukee, Toronto, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis, Denver, and San Antonio could be fits.
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Courtesy : https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/lists/nba-draft-zach-edey-profile-purdue-basketball/