After Shaquille O’Neal Honor, Zach Edey Sees Support From Former Big Man Turned ESPN Employee

The Zachille O’Neal of college basketball has earned yet another ex-NBA star’s respect. Initially, it was Shaquille O’Neal himself who honored Zach Edey with this nickname. This came after Zach became the first player with three straight games with at least 20 points and three blocks in the NCAA Tournament since Shaquille O’Neal for LSU. Now, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has also praised the 21-year-old Purdue Boilermakers’ star.

“Zach Edey out here dominating with 21-11 at half… but majority of NBA GMs are going to say he don’t past “Eye Test” we are living in crazy in times! God Bless America,” Perkins posted. Notably, Zach scored 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists against Utah State Aggies. He led his team to a 106-67 win over Utah. With this, the Boilermakers have now advanced to the third round of the NCAA tournament. 

Some agree with Perkins’ statement. But a majority section of the replies believe performing at the NCAA and NBA are two different things. “Dominating Utah State is a lot easier than dominating in the NBA. If I had a nickel for every player that dominated in college that could not even step foot on an NBA court I’d be a rich man,” a fan replied to Kendrick’s post on X.

Meanwhile, some even mentioned a few of the college basketball players who failed to shine on the big stage. “The NBA is not college. Luka Garza all over again,” another X user replied to the ex-Boston Celtics star’s post. Notably, Luka averaged 18.2 points per game in his college basketball career. He averaged just 5.2 points per game in his NBA career. However, the improvement shown by Zach in his last two seasons, as compared to his initial two seasons, hints towards a promising gradual growth.

Zach Edey’s progression in his last two seasons

The 21-year-old has averaged 23.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists from 2022 to 2024. The growth has been significantly major as compared to his initial two seasons. Edey had averaged 11.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists from 2021 to 2022.

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In fact, upon a closer look, it can be seen that the Boilermakers’ star has only improved every subsequent season. According to Fox Sports, one Eastern Conference executive has stated the 7’4″ player to be a polarizing prospect in the NBA draft. “Teams that like him will point to his massive size and ability to score effectively in the lane and consider him as a mid-to-late first-round pick. Teams that don’t like him will point to his vulnerability as a defender and lack of passing and face-up game and consider him in the 30 to 45-pick range as a functional backup,” he stated.

Now it is to be seen if the Boilermakers’ center can pass the General Manager’s eye test. What is your opinion of Zach Edey’s performance in the NCAA? Do you think he will make it to the upcoming NBA season and more importantly, will he make it big?

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