For the second consecutive year, Zach Edey was undeniably the best player in college basketball.
The Purdue center placed himself in the elitist of elite company in 2023-24, joining Hall of Famers like Oscar Robertson, Jerry Lucas, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton and Ralph Sampson as the only players in college basketball history to win back-to-back Sporting News National Player of the Year awards.
And there was no other choice. Edey dominated once again, averaging 24.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.2 blocks per game. With last year’s 16-over-1 upset still fresh on his mind, the 21-year-old improved to assure Purdue will not come up that short again.
Edey’s growth as a prospect has divided NBA Draft evaluators everywhere. He went from a projected second-rounder or undrafted player last year to — depending on where you look — a lottery pick this year.
Has Edey developed enough to warrant lottery consideration, though? The Sporting News takes a closer look below.
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Zach Edey stats
| Stat | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 24.4 |
| Rebounds | 11.7 |
| Assists | 2.1 |
| Blocks | 2.2 |
| Steals | 0.2 |
| Field goal % | 61.9% |
| Free throw % | 71.6% |
Zach Edey strengths
Ahead of the 2023 NBA Draft, I broke down Edey’s strengths and weaknesses. A lot of those words still hold true, so let’s focus on his improvements.
Edey is listed at 7-4 and 300 pounds this season. Even though he is five pounds heavier than he was listed last season, the Purdue big man does look lighter on his feet.
He has always had an unstoppable drop step and hook shot, especially when he gets to his dominant right hand. He rarely used his left hand in the past, but this season, he has gotten more comfortable scoring with his off-hand.
Edey has shown more poise with his back to the basket. It feels like the game is slowing down for him when he’s double-teamed in the post. That has led to major strides as a passer, dishing out a career-high 68 assists while cutting back on turnovers (74) compared to last year (77).
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That is a vitally important skill for a player of his size. Even at the NBA level, Edey will almost always draw multiple defenders, meaning someone has to be open. Having the vision to find shooters and cutters will only benefit his own scoring ability, keeping defenses guessing if he’ll dish the ball or look to attack.
Edey is still a rock-solid defensive anchor, shot blocker and reliable rebounder, but a lot of his defensive limitations remain the same.
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Zach Edey weaknesses
Even though his footwork and lateral movement look quicker, Edey will still be a frequent pick-and-roll target at the next level.
With NBA spacing, Edey could get played off the floor trying to keep up with some of the faster, 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 over ball screens and get out on shooters.
On offense, Edey is more coordinated and confident with his left hand, but it is still a weakness. It won’t be as easy to bully every defender in the post and get to his right hand whenever he wants. Smarter defenders will know he wants to turn over his left shoulder for a righty hook or push shot, and they’ll be strong and athletic enough to cut that off.
On top of that, Edey still does almost all of his damage around the basket. He is not a threat to stretch the floor or face up and shoot.
Edey’s size is his biggest strength, but it’s also a weakness.
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Zach Edey NBA Mock Draft projection
Mock Draft projection: Late first, early second round
Even in a draft class that is light on NBA-ready talent, I have a hard time believing Edey will be a lottery pick the way he has been projected by ESPN most of the year.
Yes, he looks more mobile and has polished some of his offensive skills, but players Edey’s size are typically played off the court when it matters most. His ceiling in the NBA feels very limited to that of a situational big who plays spot minutes in particular matchups.
Zach Edey NBA player comparison
Plays like: Yao Ming
Last year, college basketball insider Jon Rothstein coined the idea that “Edey is the Yao Ming of college basketball.” It is hard to draw a comparison more accurate than that. Edey’s massive and physically imposing presence is reminiscent of the eight-time NBA All-Star.
