The 7-foot-4 Purdue big man is one of the most decorated prospects coming out of college basketball into the NBA in recent memory.
Zach Edey is one of the most decorated yet controversial college players to enter the draft in recent basketball memory. He’s one of three players in NCAA history to twice be named unanimous national player of the year, is second in all major player of the year honors combined with 12, and is the first and only to ever average at least 25.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks in a season.
Those late projections despite an incredible resume are due to a misunderstanding of Edey’s game and how it translates to the NBA. Edey dominated mostly out of post-ups in the NCAA. -- nearly 64% of his possessions -- which ranked in the 100th percentile in terms of volume, and scored at a rate of 1.047 points per possession, which ranked in the 85th percentile in terms of efficiency.
Most of the impact he’ll provide on offense in the NBA, though, won’t be through the post, but rather as a screener, roller, playfinisher, and offensive rebounder. While a majority of his interior scoring came out of the post in college, he was still dominant as a rolling play finisher and glass cleaner. He set strong screens and shot 82% on his rolls, while boasting an 18.1 offensive rebound percentage and was in the 81st percentile in putbacks scoring. He also scored 1.
Edey’s defensive concerns are also overblown. He isn’t and never will be a switchable defender, and isn’t very scheme versatile, which will definitely hold him back. But, he’s still a great drop defender in pick-and-roll and an elite rim protector. With a 6.9 block percentage at 7’4 and 300 pounds, those traits are bound to translate to the NBA as well.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Best NBA Player Props Today: Analyzing Ant-Man's Shifting ExpectationsBest NBA player props for 5-6. NBA Playoffs player prop projections, odds, and best bets today, including point props, rebound props, and more.
Read more »
Purdue star, NBA Draft prospect Zach Edey throws putrid first pitch at Cubs gameZach Edey pitched in high school before becoming a back-to-back Naismith Award winner for Purdue, but Tuesday night proved why he is going to stick with basketball.
Read more »
NBA Trade Rumors: Chicago Bulls SG Zach LaVine to Orlando Magic?The Orlando Magic continue to be linked to Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine.
Read more »
Should The Miami Heat Target Zach Edey At No. 15 In 2024 NBA Draft?Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey is a potential first-round selection for the Miami Heat
Read more »
What Zach Edey Said During His 2024 NBA Scouting Combine InterviewFormer Purdue superstar and two-time National Player of the Year Zach Edey is in Chicago for the 2024 NBA Scouting Combine. On Tuesday, Edey met with reporters to talk about his game, the draft process and how he believes he can impact the league.
Read more »
NBA Draft Combine winners: Reed Sheppard, Zach Edey shine bright in ChicagoWith the 2024 NBA Draft Combine coming to a close, FOX Sports' John Fanta lists seven players who elevated their draft stock.
Read more »