Zach Edey, the towering 7-foot-2 center from Purdue, has officially declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. As he prepares to take the leap from college to the professional league, many wonder how players of his height have fared historically.
The Portland Trailblazers could target Zach Edey at pick No. 7, per @KevinOConnorNBA
“The Blazers also worked out Purdue center Zach Edey earlier in the month, and people around the NBA believe that they are also extremely high on him—not just for the 14th pick, but for their… pic.twitter.com/L7GhboL7nH
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 24, 2024
Zach Edey: Background
Zach Edey’s basketball journey began relatively late. He didn’t start playing until his sophomore year of high school in Toronto, Canada. Despite this late start, Edey quickly made an impact. He transferred to IMG Academy and became a three-star recruit before committing to Purdue. During his college career, Edey emerged as one of the best players in the country, earning back-to-back National Player of the Year and Big Ten Player of the Year awards.
Dominance in College
At Purdue, Edey dominated opponents with ease. His imposing 7-foot-4 frame allowed him to excel in various aspects of the game. Notably, he was an effective screener, a strong rebounder, and displayed solid footwork around the rim. Defensively, Edey maintained discipline, rarely committing fouls, and showcased shot-blocking prowess. His free-throw shooting was impressive for a center, consistently hitting over 71 percent from the stripe.
Challenges at the Next Level
Transitioning to the NBA won’t be without challenges. Edey is far from a polished product, having played basketball for only six years. However, his potential is immense. Comparisons to other big men provide insight:
- Boban Marjanovic: Edey’s fluidity surpasses that of Marjanovic, who debuted in the NBA at age 27. Edey, at 21, has room to grow.
- Ivica Zubac: If Edey improves his footwork, he could become a starting-level center like Zubac (7-0, 240 lbs).
- Steven Adams: Enhancing his rebounding could make Edey a glass eater similar to Adams (6-11, 265).
- Walker Kessler: Mastering shot-blocking timing would elevate Edey’s defensive impact, akin to Kessler.
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