Zach Edey’s performance in the 2023 college basketball season was nothing short of exceptional. He averaged 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.5 assists per game, shooting at an impressive 60.7% from the field and 73.4% from the free-throw line. He went on to win multiple awards, including the Wooden Award, the Naismith Award, the Big O Trophy, the NABC National Player of the Year, the AP National Player of the Year, and the Sporting News National Player of the Year. He was also a finalist for the ESPY Award for Best Male College Athlete.
Understandably, expectations were high for him to receive such high honors, as 2023 marked a statistically dominant year for Zach Edey, eliminating every possible threat to his NPOY shout. Even the second seed is fairly far from Zach’s stats.
The strong case of NPOY
Zach Edey, the towering center for Purdue University’s basketball team, has been turning heads with his standout performances this year. At an impressive 7 feet 4 inches tall, Edey has been a dominant force on the court, showcasing his exceptional scoring ability and dominance in the paint. He has been consistently averaging a double-double in points and rebounds, making him a formidable presence in the game. Edey’s impact on the team has been immense, as he has been a key factor in Purdue’s early-season success. The team has secured several impressive victories against some of the strongest opponents, positioning themselves as one of the top teams in the country.
Edey’s individual performance and efficiency on the court have been nothing short of exceptional. He has been a consistent performer throughout the season, demonstrating his scoring prowess and rebounding skills to great effect. His towering presence in the paint has also made him a formidable defensive player, often disrupting the opposing team’s offensive plays. All these qualities make him a strong contender for the National Player of the Year award.
If Edey continues to perform at this level and lead his team to further victories, he has a good chance of repeating as the NPOY and cementing his place in college basketball history. His dominance on the court, combined with Purdue’s team success, has made them one of the most exciting teams to watch this season. Fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Edey’s performances in the coming games, as he looks to continue his impressive run and lead his team to more victories.
Read More: Channeling Inner Shaquille O’Neal, Zach Edey Posts an Impressive Double-Double in Purdue’s Win
Zach Edey’s statistically dominant year
Edey’s remarkable achievements include the Pete Newell Award and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, which recognized him as the best post-player and the best center in the country, respectively. Additionally, he was named Purdue’s first Big Ten Player of the Year since 2017, a first-team All-Big Ten honoree, and was named to the Big Ten’s All-Defensive Team. He was also the Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player, where he averaged 26.0 PPG and 12.7 RPG.
Edey’s performance statistics were impressive. He led the country in double-doubles with 27, ranked second in rebounds per game, sixth in points per game, 18th in blocks per game, and 21st in field goal percentage. Edey even became the first player in the NCAA database to rank in the top 25 of points, rebounds, blocks, and field goal percentage. He also became the third high-major player in the last 20 years to rank in the NCAA’s top 10 in both scoring and rebounds.
Edey set multiple NCAA and Big Ten records. He became the first player in NCAA history to achieve 750 points, 400 rebounds, 70 blocks, and 50 assists. He scored in double-figures in all 34 games and had 20 games of at least 20 points. Edey’s eight games of at least 30 points and 10 rebounds were the most by a major college player in the last 15 years and the fourth most in a season in Purdue history. His 11 games of at least 25 points and 10 rebounds were the most for a Big Ten player in the last 15 years.
Edey’s performance against Michigan State and Indiana was particularly noteworthy. Against Michigan State, he averaged 35.0 points and 15.0 rebounds per game, shooting 28-of-50 from the field. Against Indiana, Edey averaged 29.5 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, shooting 23-of-36 from the field. He also had 31 points and 22 rebounds against Minnesota, Purdue’s first game of at least 31 points and 22 rebounds since Terry Dischinger in February 1962.
Watch This Story: Following “Superhero” LeBron James’ Footsteps, NBA RoTY Joins College Football Hype, but Not for Coach Prime
Finally, Edey had back-to-back games of 30 points and 10 rebounds in the Big Ten Tournament, becoming the fourth player in the last 25 years to have 30 & 10 in consecutive conference tournament games. In summary, Edey’s performance in the 2023 college basketball season was truly remarkable.
