For the second year in a row, Zach Edey was without a doubt the best player in college basketball.
The Purdue center moved into elite company in 2023-24, joining Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson, Jerry Lucas, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton and Ralph Sampson as the only players in the history of college basketball in winning the comeback to -back Sports News National Player of the Year Awards.
And there was no other option. Edey dominated again, averaging 24.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.2 blocks per game. With last year’s 16-on-1 upset still fresh in his mind, the 21-year-old improved to ensure Purdue doesn’t fall that short again.
Edey’s growth as a prospect has divided NBA Draft evaluators everywhere. He went from a projected second-round or undrafted player last year to, depending on where you look at it, a lottery pick this year.
However, has Edey developed enough to warrant lottery consideration? The Jugo Mobile takes a closer look below.
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Zach Edey Statistics
| statistics | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 24.4 |
| Rebounds | 11.7 |
| Assists | 2.1 |
| Blocks | 2.2 |
| steal | 0.2 |
| Field goal % | 61.9% |
| Free shot % | 71.6% |
Zach Edey’s Strengths
Heading into the 2023 NBA Draft, I analyzed Edey’s strengths and weaknesses. Many of those words are still true, so let’s focus on his improvements.
Edey is 7-4 and 300 pounds this season. Even though he is five pounds heavier than he was listed last season, the Purdue big man appears lighter on his feet.
He has always had an unstoppable drop step and hook, especially when it comes to his dominant right hand. He rarely used his left hand in the past, but this season he has become more comfortable scoring with his left hand.
Edey has shown more poise with his back to the basket. It feels like the game is slowing down for him when he double-teams the post. That has led to big strides as a passer, dishing out a career-high 68 assists and reducing turnovers (74) compared to last year (77).
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That’s a vitally important skill for a player his size. Even at the NBA level, Edey will almost always draw multiple defenders, which means someone has to be open. Having the vision to find shooters and cutters will only benefit his own scoring ability, keeping defenses guessing whether he will shoot the ball or look to attack.
Edey remains a rock-solid defensive anchor, shot blocker, and reliable rebounder, but many of his defensive limitations remain the same.
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Zach Edey Weaknesses
Although his footwork and lateral movement appear quicker, Edey will still be a frequent target in the pick-and-roll at the next level.
With the NBA’s spacing, Edey could play off the court trying to keep up with some of the faster and more athletic guards and forwards. He could live in drop coverage, but that would put a lot of pressure on the rest of his teammates to fight for ball screens and attack shooters.
On offense, Edey is more coordinated and confident with his left hand, but it is still a weakness. It won’t be so easy to intimidate every defender in the post and get to his right hand whenever he wants. Smarter defenders will know that he wants to turn over his left shoulder for a right hook or push shot, and they will be strong and athletic enough to cut that off.
On top of that, Edey still does almost all of his damage around the basket. It is not a threat to stretch the ground or get on your back and shoot.
Edey’s size is his greatest strength, but it is also his weakness.
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Zach Edey NBA Mock Draft Projection
Mock Draft Projection: Late first round, early second round
Even in a draft class that has few NBA-ready talents, I have a hard time believing Edey will be a lottery pick the way ESPN has projected him most of the year.
Yes, he seems more mobile and has honed some of his offensive skills, but players of Edey’s size often play off the court when it matters most. His ceiling in the NBA feels very limited to that of a situational great who plays specific minutes in particular matchups.
Zach Edey’s NBA Player Comparison
Play like: Yao Ming
Last year, college basketball expert Jon Rothstein coined the idea that “Edey is the Yao Ming of college basketball“It’s hard to make a more accurate comparison than that. Edey’s massive, physically imposing presence is reminiscent of the eight-time NBA All-Star.
