We have our first finalists for this year’s national championship game in the men’s division. Another impressive display by Purdue helped them secure a 63-50 victory over NC State and advance to the final of this year’s NCAA tournament. However, fans don’t seem to be pleased by the performance of the towering giant Zach Edey despite his impactful double-double in the Final Four.
On a victorious night, Purdue was able to hold off a fighting NC State. The 7 ft 4 in center was the pick of the lot when delivered a resounding 20 points along with grabbing 12 rebounds.
In his face-off with the 6 ft 9 in Burns, the No.15 clearly had the upper hand. Starting his proceedings with a jumper, Edey was quite a handful on both sides of the court. Not only was he converting the chances through his layups, but also left quite an impression with his defensive and offensive rebounds. The highlight was his tremendous play early in the second half when he blocked NC State’s No.14 Casey Morsell from scoring. Then, he quickly followed it up with a coast-to-coast run which ended with him scoring an amazing jumper overpowering DJ Burns Jr. in the process.
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Block on one end, layup on the other. Zach Edey came to play 💪
(via @MarchMadnessMBB) pic.twitter.com/Q2Ms2aCfpj
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 6, 2024
His scintillating display was reflected in his numbers for the night as well. Seemingly, his 40 minutes on the court produced a 64.28% field goal. Moreover, he was 2 of 2 from free throws. On top of that, he also registered 4 assists, 2 blocks and 5 turnovers next to his name.
Read More- 7’4” Zach Edey Invites Anthony Davis Comparisons After Ending Purdue’s 44-Year Dry Spell
Still, he was at the receiving end of online outrage on X.
X users are not content with Zach Edey
It seems like there was no pleasing the Zach Edey haters despite a productive outing. One fan expressed that Edey is the most boring basketball player of all time. Further, he made fun of his talent and called him a “free throw merchant” while comparing him with NBA legend Yao Ming.
Zach edey is the most boring basketball player ever. Bro is really just talentless Yao Ming. And he’s a free throw merchant 😭
— | Live Daily On Twitch | (@DTBxss) April 7, 2024
As he is about to turn pro, a fan wished for him to see failure and criticism over there.
I genuinely hope Zach Edey sees the massive criticism he gets and thinks about it when he averages 4.5 in the NBA
— FEEF (@ejfwf) April 7, 2024
Another X user stated that he’ll just be an average player in the NBA.
Zach Edey will be an average player at best in the NBA
— The Juice (@OrenthalJuice32) April 7, 2024
Some drew comparisons between him and DJ Burns Jr. and explicitly conveyed that the senior forward is a much better player.
dj burns jr would still beat the piss out of zach edey
— Trey Regis (@sniparegis) April 7, 2024
Meanwhile, some issued warning signs to the Purdue star that he is bound to be abused in the NBA.
Zach Edey will get abused in the NBA.
— F R A N C I S (@frank_shits) April 7, 2024
Another correlation of Edey was made with former San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson. Calling Edey a whining baby, the X user stated that these two bohemoths are not the same.
David Robinson is a man.
The Admiral.
Zach Edey is a whiny baby.
They are not the same.
— I’ll drink to that (@UnitedTME) April 7, 2024
Also, there were fingers raised on the referees as well and how they are favoring Edey in the game.
The way refs love Zach Edey is nuts.
— Andrew Williams (@AMW_FC) April 7, 2024
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Amidst all the criticism, Zach makes his way to the national championship game. Whether someone loves him or hates him, his talent and skills in the sport can’t be ignored. Will he lead Purdue to a historic first NCAA title? Only time will tell.
Read More- Why Is Purdue’s Zach Edey March Madness’ “New Villain”?
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How do you feel about Zach Edey’s performance?