After this year’s March Madness, Zach Edey is expected to declare for the NBA Draft, where he is projected to be a first-round selection, a huge improvement from last year’s outlook of being a late second-rounder.
Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a huge fan of Zach Edey, the star center for the Purdue Boilermakers. The two have known each other well because they were teammates for Canada during last year’s FIBA World Cup, where they came away with the bronze medal.
“He’ll figure his way out. He’s big, he’s smart. He soaks things up quick. He’s a humble kid and wants to be really good,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
“That’s what I got from him this summer — besides obviously, the eye-popping stats and skills and stuff like that. I think he’ll figure it out. As far as his archetype, the last two MVPs have been big guys, so he’ll be just fine.”
Having an NBA MVP candidate in your corner is a huge confidence booster for Zach Edey. However, not everyone agrees with the same outlook as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
One draft scout compares Zach Edey to nine-year NBA veteran
Zach Edey has been dominant for the Purdue Boilermakers in this year’s NCAA Tournament, averaging 26.5 points, 17.5 rebounds, and three blocks per game while shooting 68 percent from the field in two blowout victories over Grambling and Utah State.
The 21-year-old is one of the reasons why the Purdue Boilermakers are one of the best teams in the country. They entered March Madness with a 29-4 record and the No. 3 overall seed.
Zach Edey is listed at 7’4″ and 300 pounds. But because of his massive frame, one scout is not sold on him doing well in the NBA, at least at the start of his professional career.
“People sre talking about Edey going in the first round, and I’m asking myself if we’re really talking about a situational big man in the first round?” said an anonymous NBA scout on Edey.
“Is he going to be a starter? No. Is he going to be a backup every night? Probably not. He’s Boban Marjanovic in my opinion,” he added.
Zach Edey can still improve his draft stock and prove his naysayers wrong by continuing to dominate for Purdue in the ongoing NCAA tournament.