Does Zach Edey-Led Purdue Have a Chance at 2024 NCAA Title With UConn Holding the Reins?

The Purdue Boilermakers have made a dream start to their NCAA campaign. Their unbeaten run in the tournament is sending a chill down the spine of all the pre-season favorites. Moreover, Purdue has announced themselves as worthy contenders for the title on the back of winning five games on the trott.

Leading the charge for them is their talented No.15 – Zach Edey. The Purdue center is making quite an impact following his immaculate show in the tournament so far.

Zach Edey puts Purdue in NCAA contention

The 2023 National College Player of the Year is making quite a few head turns. Edey has firmly cemented himself as one of the top players this season with an average of 21.8 points and 11 rebounds per game. In addition to this, he holds a field goal percentage of 57.4.

As a result, the Boilermakers are looking likely to be the NCAA champion for the first time, and are currently placed in the second spot. The 2023 NCAA champions, the UConn Huskies, have also made a decent start to their title defence. Currently ranked No.5, the Connecticut boys have won both their games in convincing fashion.

The current run of form of the Purdue Boilermakers, however, poses a serious threat to their dream of becoming back-to-back champions. In addition to this, the towering  7 ft 4 in Canadian giant has made Purdue one of, if not the top teams in the Big Ten conference. Furthermore, the Boilermakers have sent a strong message following their win over the No. 7 Tennessee in a marquee Maui Invitational semifinal game.

Read More- WATCH: Channeling Inner Shaquille O’Neal, Zach Edey Posts an Impressive Double-Double in Purdue’s Win

The 2023 Big Ten Player of the Year is looking for redemption after his loss in the first round of the NCAA tournament to No. 16 FDU. Edey took a major decision earlier this year that reflects this mindset.

Edey snubs NBA draft, returns as a senior

The 21-year-old made himself unavailable for the 2023 NBA draft and decided to return as a senior this season. Edey has made his intentions clear that he is here to win big for the Purdue basketball program. He shed some light on his decision with the Messenger journalist, Seth Davis.

Zach said, “A lot of people get lost in trying to shape their game for the NBA and do things they’re not born to do. I’m 7-3, 300 pounds and I’m born to get a rebound. Also, I’m born to shoot layups. It would be a waste of my talents to sit on the three-point line. So I’m not really focused on what NBA teams think of me. I’m trying to win as many games as I can at Purdue. That’s what I came back to do.”

There is no doubt that the Purdue Boilermakers have a great chance to win the NCAA championship this season. Fans will be hoping they continue their momentum in the upcoming games. We will have to wait and see if they can turn their dream into reality.

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