Purdue’s Zach Edey Moving Up Draft Boards

By: Tony Donohue

Dominant. Historic. Unstoppable. All words that describe the play of the National Player of the Year in college basketball in Purdue's Zach Edey. 

"Such a unique game that's hard to guard," said Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes after Edey dropped a career high 40 points against his Volunteers to advance the Purdue Boilermakers to their first Final Four since 1980. Edey has posted historical numbers throughout this year's NCAA Tournament, averaging 30 points and 16 rebounds in the four wins to advance his club to Phoenix this weekend for the National Semifinal against the 11th seeded North Carolina State Wolf Pack. 

It's been a road of redemption for the Boilermakers and Zach Edey. In 2021, the team was bounced from the tournament to #13 North Texas. In 2022, Purdue was shocked by St. Peters, becoming just the second “one seed” team in history to lose to a #16 seed. 

That loss sat with Edey throughout the summer and weighed heavily on his decision to return to West Lafayette for one more go at the National Championship. "We want to win games, win elimination games," Edey said at last year’s combine in Chicago.

The Boilers are on the move to Phoenix for the National Semi-Final on Saturday night. Also on the move is Zach Edey’s 2024 NBA Draft stock. When the 2024 NCAA Tournament started, most mock drafts had the 7-foot 4 center being selected towards the end of the 2nd round. Draft Nation even suggested the Pacers select him with the 53rd overall pick, making him the face of the NBA G League Indianapolis Mad Ants as they move into a new building next season. 

The dominating run through the NCAA tournament and into the Final Four has propelled Edey up the draft boards. Some mock drafts have Edey being selected as high as 11th overall by the Chicago Bulls. Others have the Thunder taking the big man with the 25th overall pick. 

There is room for a 7-foot 4 big man on an NBA roster. If Edey can find a bit of a 3-point shot--which based on his high percentage of free throw shooting, shouldn't be a problem--Edey could easily be selected in the first round. Paired with a young, lengthy team like Oklahoma City, Edey could be a huge bench piece for a team's immediate future. The 76ers could have interest in the big man's talents as a backup to Joel Embiid. Perhaps the Toronto Raptors select Edey to play in his hometown in Canada as the Raptors hold the 17th, 28th and 31st overall picks. 

Stay tuned to see what Edey and the Boilermakers do this weekend, as many teams and scouts will be watching closely. 

Draft Nation Projection: 31st Overall