In another universe, Zach Edey, the towering Memphis Grizzlies rookie, would’ve never played basketball, but all things happen for a reason, right? Zach grew up playing baseball and hockey and wasn’t too keen on playing basketball. That was until a certain man took notice of him and his physical abilities.

For years, people would see Edey and ask him only one question – Why don’t you play basketball? He did not want to become a hooper just because of his frame and that’s why he was reluctant to play the game. His mother said, “He was resistant to it for sure. He was still serious about baseball at the time“. Even when offered a chance, Edey refused and baseball was the sport he enjoyed playing at the time.

Basketball was once a casual pastime for Zach Edey, enjoyed with friends in the driveway or during gym class. That changed in 10th grade when he began playing for the Northern King, one of Canada’s top AAU teams. “He still talked about how much he loved baseball,” recalled Edey’s former baseball teammate Sam Brown. “But as we talked, he started expressing how much he loved basketball, and he began to like it more and more.” This shift highlighted Edey’s growing passion for basketball as he continued to play.

Interestingly, it was Edey’s baseball skills that caught the attention of Purdue Coach Matt Painter. Purdue has a strong track record of developing 7-footers, and their desired center had initially chosen Michigan over them. This serendipitous connection paved the way for Edey’s remarkable journey in basketball, supported every step of the way by his family. Let’s take a closer look at Zach Edey’s family and their role in his success.

Zach Edey’s Nationality

Zach Edey was born in Toronto, Canada on May 14, 2002. He is a Canadian citizen and has represented his homeland at the under-19 and senior levels. He moved to the US when he was offered a chance to play at the IMG in Florida and his mother encouraged him to make the move by saying, “You can try and if it doesn’t happen, then it doesn’t happen.” The move did pay off as he landed a full scholarship at Purdue.

Mother and son bond: Mixed heritage and supportive parents

From the very beginning, one thing that has remained constant for Zach Edey is the unwavering support of his parents. Regardless of the sport he pursued, his mother and father have always been there to encourage him. Zach is the son of Glen Edey and Julia Edey. His mother, Julia, is a Chinese immigrant who moved to Toronto, while his father, Glen, is white. This background makes Zach Edey a product of mixed ethnicity.

Julia has been Zach’s number one supporter and attends almost every game her son plays. She handed out T-shirts in some games with ‘Big Maple’ written on them to show support for Zach. The mom and son duo also had a deal as the Grizzlies center told the Canadian press, “She retired going into my freshman year of college. That was always kind of our deal,” Julia made a deal with Zach she would retire if he got a D1 scholarship. Which he ended up getting so she had to leave her career of mechanical engineering behind.

Zach’s father Glen is an assistant baseball coach in the youth league and is proud of his son’s achievements. Both the parents attend his games regularly and support their son to the fullest.

Zach Edey’s start to life in League

Just after seven games into the season, the 7’4″ Grizzlies rookie has registered his first double-double in the NBA. In their last outing, the Grizzlies took on the Sixers, winning the game 124-107. Edey registered 10 points and 10 rebounds in the game helping his side win. He also contributed with an assist and a steal., “I’m just trying to take it game by game, get better every game” he told the the press following the game.

He added, “That’s kind of what I did in college. Nobody really knew me when I was a freshman, but people knew me by the time I was a senior. So, I’m just trying to take it like that, game by game.” He was a double-double machine back at Purdue. Zach finished his last season of collegiate basketball by averaging 25.2 points and 12.2 boards. However, the transition from college basketball to the NBA can be a little challenging for every rookie and he is no exception. Although he is starting at Memphis it will take some time to get going for the Canadian Hooper.