This year’s #1 college basketball player, Canadian phenom from Leaside, Toronto – Zach Edey – discusses his draft preparation after declaring
Zach Edey, the towering center from Purdue University who has captivated the college basketball world with his commanding performances, has officially declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. Standing at 7-foot-4, Edey has been a dominant force in college basketball, recently earning the title of the consensus national player of the year. His decision to move on to professional basketball marks a pivotal moment in his career.
“I felt like it was time,” Edey stated, per ESPN’s Jonathon Givony, after submitting his paperwork for the NBA Draft. His declaration comes after a season where he not only demonstrated his robust offensive skills but also his versatility on defense. “I showed that I’m a physical presence on offense this season,” Edey remarked. “I also showed I can play defense. I can guard in space, even defend guards.”
Edey’s college career has been nothing short of historic. He is the first player since Bill Walton in 1973 to win unanimous National Player of the Year honors. Over the past season, he led the nation in scoring with an average of 24.9 points per game and finished third in rebounding, pulling down 12.2 rebounds per game. His record-setting performance at Purdue includes scoring more than 2,500 points and grabbing over 1,300 rebounds, a feat not achieved in over three decades since Lionel Simmons.
His monumental efforts were on full display during this year’s NCAA tournament, where he tied for the second-most points ever scored in the tournament, a record held since 1965. In the national championship game, despite Purdue’s loss to UConn, Edey’s 37 points and 10 rebounds were the most in a title game since 1978.
Despite these remarkable achievements, Edey believes he has more to offer at the professional level. “What wins in college and the NBA are totally different,” he explained. “There are a lot of things I can do that people haven’t seen yet. I was focusing on impacting winning at Purdue and simplifying my game. Every year I’ve taken steps forward and there’s no reason I can’t keep getting better.”
Edey’s growth potential is particularly intriguing given his relatively late start in basketball. He only began playing seriously as a high school sophomore in fall 2017, having previously focused on hockey and baseball. “I’m still learning the game,” Edey said. “There were moments in practice at Purdue that I learned something basic, little stuff that maybe others were taught in sixth or seventh grade. I’m going to keep expanding my game and do things people haven’t seen from me.”
A significant focus for Edey as he prepares for the draft is improving his shooting. “Shooting is going to be a big thing in my workouts during the pre-draft process,” he noted. “Every day I’m getting the reps and my routine right to show off that part of my game.”
Zach Edey: A Complete Draft Prospect
His decision to return to Purdue for his senior year after initially entering the 2023 NBA Draft has evidently paid dividends. Edey’s performance has solidified his position as a projected lottery pick, with ESPN ranking him as the No. 14 prospect (and others ranking Edey higher). His mindset remains focused not on the draft number but on finding the right fit. “The number doesn’t matter,” Edey expressed. “I’m focused on the teams that believe in me. I want to find a coaching staff that believes in me and what I can do.”
As the NBA Draft approaches, with its first round set to be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, followed by the second round at ESPN’s studio in lower Manhattan, all eyes will be on Edey. Given his unique blend of size, skill, and an ever-improving game, Edey is expected to bring significant value to any NBA team. His ability to score from both the post and mid-range, combined with his rebounding prowess and defensive versatility, make him a rare asset in today’s NBA landscape.
Zach Edey’s journey from a late basketball bloomer to a top NBA prospect is a testament to his work ethic and potential. As teams evaluate his capabilities, Edey’s draft stock could see him joining an NBA team where his skills could be maximized, potentially making him one of the impactful picks in this year’s draft. His transition to the professional stage is eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike, who are keen to see how his game translates to the next level and how he will continue to evolve and impact the NBA.
