Purdue Basketball: Edey drafted ninth by Memphis Grizzlies

Former Purdue basketball big man Zach Edey is officially an NBA player.

The Canadian star was drafted ninth Wednesday night by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. The 7-foot-4-inch center was the reigning two time National Player of the Year for Purdue basketball.

Edey’s rise to the NBA and the Grizzlies truly is one of rags to riches, as he was not highly sought coming out of high school. Numerous times Edey credited Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter for taking a chance on him and Edey proved it to be a smart decision, working himself into one of the top players in college basketball.

Edey finished his Purdue basketball senior season averaging over 25 points, ripping down over 12 rebounds, blocking 2.2 shots and dishing out 2 assists per contest en route to helping the Boilermakers win back to back Big Ten regular season crowns. With the Boilermakers, Edey became the first player in NCAA history to average at least 25 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 assists per game.

Prior to the draft, Painter said he thought there was a spot for Edey in the NBA.

“He does a lot of the little things to help a team win. That’s why I think they’ve got a place there for him. He can rebound, he can pass, he can score with his back to the basket. I think he’s got a spot,” Painter said.

Multiple scouting reports said Edey was a “very polished center with a solid offensive game.”

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