When Can Zach Edey Appear in NBA Draft?

Zach Edey in April this year added his name to the NBA draft, when likes of Oscar Tshiebwe of Kentucky decided to return to school instead of playing professionally for the second consecutive season. The towering athlete soon followed Oscar’s footsteps and decided to play one more season for Purdue. His decision was soon followed by high expectations of him winning the national player of the year award in 2023-24.

Despite being compared to Big Shaq, the 7-footer is making a name for himself this NCAA season. As a result, the big impact player, who takes pride in his gold, is not afraid of losing his title.

Zach Edey standing tall with Purdue

Purdue won the Big Ten regular-season and conference tournament titles last season. And with Edey leading the way, the team was rated No. 1 in the polls for stretches of the campaign. However, the 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson surprised the 1-seeded Boilermakers in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.

Despite the defeat, the Canadian basketball player ranked sixth in scoring, second in rebounds, and twenty-first in field goal percentage with an average of 22.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 60.7% from the field. Not only that, Edey also blocked more than two shots on average every game. He scored thirty points or more in eight games, including a game against Michigan State in late January where he finished with thirteen rebounds and 38 points. Edey had an impressive 28 double-doubles and scored in double digits in every game during the previous season.

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When he started college, Edey was an unranked prospect coming out of high school. Despite his achievements and success during his time in college, Edey is not expected to be chosen in the first round of the NBA draft held next month. He is rated No. 47 among ESPN’s 2023 NBA draft rankings, making him the fourth pick overall among centers.

Zach Edey’s NBA prospects

According to mock drafts circulating around the internet, Zach Edey is predicted to be the second overall pick in the 2024 class. Edey has had an impressive season, recording a double-double of 20 points in each game and excelling in the offensive class. He contributes to Purdue’s success by securing second-chance points.

Edey is not a perimeter scorer, although he possesses terrific touch around the basket and is a strong positional free-throw shooter. His whole game revolves around the paint, so he seldom shoots 3-pointers. As a result, his fit at the next level is intriguing.

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Twenty years ago, Edey would’ve been considered the ideal candidate for a center. However, in the current NBA, he seems more like a situational player who comes off the bench.