Michigan State center Carson Cooper was tasked with guarding Zach Edey during the Big Ten Tournament semifinal on Friday. He will have to wear a mask during March Madness after probably breaking his nose.
As a result, Edey’s play is once again being called into question.
Purdue’s 7-foot-4 center has been subject to a lot of scrutiny over the course of his career. He is often accused of getting away with dirty, reckless play on account of his height. The officials often call fouls on players that try to guard him. Rarely are fouls called on Edey, who averages just 1.7 personal fouls per game.
The reigning AP Player of the Year got away with blatant fouls during the Big Ten Championship against Wisconsin. There is simply no way to see it any other way.
Edey’s play against the Spartans is also under the microscope. Cooper had to guard him in the game and will have to wear a mask for the remainder of the year.
It is very possible that there is a direct correlation between the injury and the opponent. Cooper openly questioned the way that Edey is officiated before, during and after the game.
“I asked the referees what I’m supposed to do differently.”
— Justin Spiro (@DarkoStateNews) March 15, 2024
Carson Cooper discusses what it’s like guarding Zach Edey. pic.twitter.com/p54msBMOQH
An old video of Edey backing down former Illinois big Kofi Cockburn in 2022 could offer an explanation. Watch the Boilermakers big’s elbow.
The slow motion close up of the elbow head shot on Kofi Cockburn from Zach Edey https://t.co/NfdNedPc2C pic.twitter.com/URJ358GzA4
— Hoop Informatics (@HoopInformatics) January 21, 2022
Did Cooper suffer a similar fate as Edey scored 29 points with 12 rebounds during a five-point win over Michigan State? The possibility cannot be ruled out.
Grambling State will be the first team to face Edey during the NCAA Tournament. Forwards Malik Lamin and Jonathan Aku will have to guard him. They better watch out for elbows!
Meanwhile, Carson Cooper will wear a protective mask on his face for the remainder of the season — however long that may last — due to a possible broken nose. It comes after he had to guard Zach Edey.