Zach Edey was named the National Player of the Year at the close of the 2022/23 college basketball season. He was absolutely dominant in all facets of the game.
Purdue’s star center averaged 22.3 points and 12.9 rebound during his breakout year and is currently averaging 22.9 points and 11.1 rebounds during his senior season. Edey continues to be a key piece of the puzzle in West Lafayette. The second-ranked Boilermakers will go as far as their 7-foot-4, 300-pound Canadian can take them. They are 17-2 through their first 19 games in 2023/24.
While numbers and stats are an obvious indicator for talent, Edey’s character was on display earlier this week. Purdue beat Indiana by 21 on the road.
Zach Edey had 33 points and 14 rebounds. He was awesome.
Zach Edey gave his all!
One particular play stood out above the rest. The Boilermakers were up by 17 points with just over three minutes left in the game and forced a loose ball off of the Hoosiers’ poor ball-handling.
Although his team was winning by nearly 20 points, the tallest basketball player in Big Ten history laid all the way out and hit the floor hard to win possession— which ultimately became an easy two in transition. It was a tremendous testament to Edey’s effort.
The hustle play was also an indication of Edey’s character.
For anyone to dive for a loose ball with a 17-point lead in the second half is special. For a 7-footer to go to the floor is rare. Those two things, combined with his accolades, would have allowed a pass for Edey if he did not choose to sprawl for the ball. It wouldn’t have been a big deal.
On the flip side, it is awesome to see Edey go all-out for the loose ball even when that much effort may not be expected. It was a pretty cool display of who he is as a person and his team took note.
Edey is likely going to turn pro after this year. Regardless of his draft status, whichever team chooses to draft him will be thrilled to have him on the roster. Nobody goes harder for their team!