Home

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Purdue has been a force to be reckoned with in the men’s division of college basketball. After sweeping the regular season and the conference championships last time around, the Boilermakers are having a productive season this season as well. Among the principal reasons why they are displaying such a supreme brand of basketball is the inclusion of the towering giant Zach Edey in the roster.

Standing at 7’4″ and weighing 300 pounds, this formidable athlete has turned quite a few heads with his impeccable talent with the basketball. This makes many wonder if his skills are inherited or if he’s just naturally gifted. Let’s take a closer look at some of the details regarding the background of this exceptional player.

An insight into Zach Edey’s parents

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Born in Canada, Zach Edey is the first child of Glen and Julia. His mother Julia is a first-generation Chinese Canadian who spent most of her days in the suburbs of Toronto. Being one among the five children in her “working class” family, she took an interest in her family’s restaurant business at the age of 12. Apparently, Julia would make it a habit to lend a hand on weekends. Following this, she pursued her career as a mechanical engineer. However, she retired when Zach was about to enter in his college basketball shoes.

Similarly, Zach’s father Glen was also born and brought up in Canada. He worked at a gas station while growing up to fund his studies as a teenager. Currently, he is serving as an assistant coach for a baseball youth league. Meanwhile, it is interesting to note that both have had athletic attributes growing up.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The athletic genes of Zach Edey

While she was younger, Julia indulged herself in baseball and was also a member of the track team. In an earlier interview, she revealed that while she was in Grade 10, she broke the city’s discus record. In addition to this, Julia also participated in basketball. When she was 17, she even appeared in the tryouts of the Ontario provincial basketball team.

On the other hand, Zach’s father Glen Edey was more into baseball. He said to The Athletic in 2019, that being just five-foot-eight, he intentionally stayed away from a basketball court. Nonetheless, his parents’ dynamic and explosive sports background has molded Zach Edey into an absolute champion.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Moreover, the strict work ethic of his parents has also helped in the growth and development of the reigning national player. Now, as he approaches the end of his college basketball career, his parents are nothing but proud of what he has been able to accomplish. Do you think that Zach’s athletic background has been beneficial for his career?

Read More- Can Zach Edey’s Purdue Still Win March Madness Despite Massive Upset?