The ongoing NCAA season hasn’t even reached halfway, but the anticipation is already boiling up on ‘Who is this season’s best player?’ Although there are many players whose performances have been feeding this little but restless thought, however, there are different categories too, indicating the top players based on their position. That being said, things are turning well for Purdue’s center Zach Edey as he is leading the Top 100 players list for the 2023 season.
While the jury is still out on this season’s best NCAA player, let’s look at his performance so far.
The commanding center
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The Purdue Boilermakers are already riding high this season, with all the credit going to their center Zach Edey. The magnificence of his physicality is best indicated through his skills which are growing exponentially with every game he plays.
Edey’s towering height gives neck pain to his opponents. He ranks 3rd in hooping points, averaging 23.7 points, and ranks 6th in rebounds with 11.2, and 1.1 assists per game. Also, he ranks 30th in field goal percentage, shooting at 63.6%.
Out of 10 games played so far, Purdue has lost only 1 to the Northwestern Wildcats with 92-88 OT. Despite that loss, Edey’s performance has been on a stellar track. Talking about that matchup, Edey scored 35 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 blocks. With a free throw percentage of 75, Edey contributed much to Purdue’s final score.
His crucial gameplay has changed the landscape for other teams as he has lifted the standards of a level playing field. While his height does give him an advantage, it’s his skillful ability to navigate that feature that grabs a win for his team.
Moreover, Edey has been named the AP Player of the Week when he averaged 25 points, and 13 rebounds and led Purdue to the Maui Invitational title.
Read More: When Can Zach Edey Appear in NBA Draft?
Now, to reinforce the above, here are his latest matchup scores.
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Zach Edey proves himself at every step
In Purdue’s recent matchup against Alabama in the Hall of Fame series, Zach Edey was feeling at home as the game was held at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto. Hence, boosted by his home crowd, there was nothing in Edey’s way in his run for a justified win.
He scored 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists, in 37 minutes. He shot at a field goal percentage of 60 and a free throw percentage of 100 as he hooped 11 of 11 made shots. His performance majorly contributed to Purdue’s 92-86 win over Alabama in the doubleheader.
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Now, with the season cutting forward into a deafening competition, Zach is moving up at every level. And if this continues, there will be no looking back for Edey as he leads the Top 100 players of the 2023 season and becomes another Ralph Simpson.