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Zach Edey

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Zach Edey
Edey with Purdue in 2022
No. 14 – Memphis Grizzlies
PositionCentre
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born (2002-05-14) May 14, 2002 (age 22)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Listed height7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
Listed weight305 lb (138 kg)
Career information
High school
CollegePurdue (2020–2024)
NBA draft2024: 1st round, 9th overall pick
Selected by the Memphis Grizzlies
Playing career2024–present
Career history
2024–presentMemphis Grizzlies
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Medals
Men's basketball
Representing  Canada
FIBA World Cup
Bronze medal – third place 2023 Philippines–Japan–Indonesia
FIBA Under-19 World Cup
Bronze medal – third place 2021 Latvia Team

Zachry Cheyne Edey (/ˈiːdi/ EE-dee; born May 14, 2002) is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Purdue Boilermakers, leading the team to the NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game in his final year. Edey is listed at 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 m), making him the tallest player in Big Ten history. At the close of the 2023 season, Edey was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and consensus National Player of the Year, repeating both in 2024. He was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft. Edey is currently the tallest active NBA player.

Early life

Zachry Cheyne Edey was born in Toronto on May 14, 2002, to Julia and Glen Edey.[1][2] His 6-foot-3-inch (1.91 m) mother was born to Chinese immigrants in Toronto, where she grew up and played basketball;[3][4][5] his father is white.[6] Edey grew up playing ice hockey as well as baseball, which his father also played growing up.[3] As a grade 10 student at Leaside High School in Toronto, Edey started playing basketball with the Northern Kings Amateur Athletic Union program.[7]

Edey moved to the United States and attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.[7] He joined their second-tier team in his first year, working daily with IMG coach and former National Basketball Association (NBA) player Daniel Santiago. Edey was promoted to the school's national team the following year.[6][7] A consensus three-star recruit, he reclassified to the 2020 class and committed to playing college basketball for Purdue over offers from Baylor and Santa Clara, among others.[8]

College career

Freshman season

Edey jumps for the ball during a 2021 game

In his freshman season at Purdue University, Edey was listed at 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m), making him the tallest player in Big Ten history.[9] On March 2, 2021, he recorded a season-high 21 points and seven rebounds off the bench in a 73–69 win over Wisconsin.[10] Sharing playing time with fellow centre Trevion Williams, he averaged 8.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 14 minutes per game, earning Big Ten All-Freshman Team honours.[1][11]

Sophomore season

To begin his sophomore year, Edey moved into a starting role. On January 3, 2022, he recorded a then-career-high 24 points and 10 rebounds in 20 minutes in a 74–69 loss to Wisconsin.[12] On February 26, 2022, Edey recorded a career-high 25 points in 22 minutes in a 68–65 loss to Michigan State.[13] As a sophomore, he averaged career highs in every category except free throw percentage, averaging 14.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.2 blocks in only 19 minutes per game. Following the conclusion of the season, Edey was named to the Second Team All-Big Ten.[14]

Junior season

On December 17, 2022, Edey became both the 55th player in Purdue's history to reach 1,000 career points[15] and the 11th player in Purdue's history to reach 100 career blocks.[16][non-primary source needed]

During the 2022–23 season, Edey received Big Ten Player of the Week six times,[17] tying the school record for most awards in a single season (Caleb Swanigan, 2016–17) and rising to second most all-time in men's basketball in the Big Ten (Evan Turner, 2009–10).

At the close of the season, Edey was named the Big Ten Player of the Year and Sporting News National Player of the Year.[18] He was also named a consensus first-team All-American. After the end of the 2022–23 school year, Edey was named the Big Ten Athlete of the Year across all men's sports, sharing honors with women's recipient Caitlin Clark.[19]

Senior season

On May 31, 2023, Edey announced that he was opting out of the 2023 NBA draft to return to Purdue for his senior season.[20] On January 5, 2024, Edey became the second player in Purdue history to reach 1000 career rebounds, following Joe Barry Carroll.[21] On January 28, 2024, Edey scored 26 points in a win against Rutgers to surpass 2,000 for his collegiate career points, making him just the sixth player in Big Ten Conference history to have 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.[22]

On February 4, in a win against Wisconsin, Edey set two different school records. He scored in double figures for the 74th consecutive game, passing Rick Mount. Edey also broke Terry Dischinger's record for double-doubles as he secured the 55th of his career. In addition to his school records, he reached 200 career blocks in the game. That week, Edey was named Big Ten Player of the Week for the 10th time in his career. This tied Evan Turner for the most awards in Big Ten history.[23]

Edey currently holds the Purdue career record for rebounds with 1,321, passing Joe Barry Carroll in a game against Ohio State on February 18, 2024. He also holds the career record for points with 2,516, passing Rick Mount on March 16, 2024.[24]

On February 26, 2024, it was announced that Edey would not use his extra year of eligibility gained from COVID-19 to return to Purdue for the 2024–25 season.[25] Instead, Edey declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and received a green room invite, but declined, preferring to watch the draft at Purdue instead.[26]

On April 7, 2024, Edey was named Naismith College Player of the Year for the second year in a row. He was the first to win the award back to back since Ralph Sampson in 1982 and 1983.[27] Edey repeated as Big Ten men's athlete of the year, again sharing honors with Clark.[28]

Professional career

Memphis Grizzlies (2024–present)

On June 26, 2024, Edey was selected with the ninth overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA draft[29] and on July 6, he signed with the Grizzlies.[30] On October 23, Edey made his NBA debut, putting up five points and five rebounds in 15 minutes played, as he fouled out, in a 126–124 win over the Utah Jazz.[31] Edey became the first rookie in NBA history to foul out in 15 minutes or less time in their debut game.

National team career

Edey represented Canada at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Latvia. He averaged 15.1 points, a tournament-high 14.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, leading his team to the bronze medal and being named to the all-tournament team.[32]

On May 24, 2022, Edey agreed to a three-year commitment to play with the Canadian senior men's national team.[33]

Edey was selected by coach Jordi Fernández to play in 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, becoming the only college player in the team.[34] On September 3, they qualified to the quarter-finals, securing a berth at the 2024 Summer Olympics, the first Olympics appearance for Team Canada since 2000.[35] Canada won the bronze medal over the United States in the third-place game. This was Canada's first-ever World Cup medal, and first medal at a major global tournament since the 1936 Summer Olympics.[36][37]

Prior to the 2024 Olympics, Edey was set to compete for a roster spot with Team Canada. However, on June 30, 2024, Edey withdrew himself from consideration, opting instead to play for the Grizzlies in NBA Summer League.[38]

Career statistics

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
* Led NCAA Division I

College

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2020–21 Purdue 28 2 14.7 .597 — .714 4.4 .4 .1 1.1 8.7
2021–22 Purdue 37 33 19.0 .648 — .649 7.7 1.2 .2 1.2 14.4
2022–23 Purdue 34 34 31.7 .607 — .734 12.9 1.5 .2 2.1 22.3
2023–24 Purdue 39 39 32.0 .623 .500 .711 12.2 2.0 .3 2.2 25.2*
Career 138 108 24.9 .621 .500 .706 9.6 1.3 .2 1.7 18.2

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Zach Edey – Men's Basketball". Purdue University Athletics. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  2. ^ Twentieth Annual Commencement Ceremony (PDF). IMG Academy. June 5, 2020. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Norlander, Matt (February 8, 2023). "Simple, but not easy: After rejecting basketball for years, Zach Edey's Zen-like approach made him unstoppable". CBSSports.com. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
  4. ^ Ibrahim, Abdulhamid (March 15, 2023). "With mom by his side, Canada's Zach Edey dominating college basketball". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Canadian Press. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  5. ^ Clifford, Charlie (February 8, 2022). "Zach Edey's unlikely path to college basketball's most interesting player". WISH-TV. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Fader, Mirin (March 15, 2023). "Zach Edey Is Just Different". The Ringer. Retrieved March 16, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c Dopirak, Dustin (November 14, 2019). "'It seems like a movie': Purdue's new big man Zach Edey was on skates until two years ago". The Athletic. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  8. ^ Carmin, Mike (November 9, 2019). "Purdue basketball lands 7–6 Canadian big man Zach Edey". Journal & Courier. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  9. ^ Doyel, Gregg (May 12, 2021). "7–6!?! Purdue's Zach Edey is getting taller — and better. Where it ends, nobody knows". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  10. ^ Polzin, Jim (March 3, 2021). "Falling short: Badgers struggle to contain freshman center Zach Edey as Boilermakers hold on at home". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  11. ^ Golden, Todd Aaron (March 14, 2023). "Edey speaks softly, but carries weight with Purdue teammates". Tribune-Star. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  12. ^ "Davis scores 37 in No. 23 Badgers' win over No. 3 Purdue". ESPN. Associated Press. January 3, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  13. ^ "Michigan State snaps slump with 68–65 win over No. 4 Purdue". ESPN. Associated Press. February 26, 2022. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  14. ^ "2021–22 Big Ten Men's Basketball Postseason Honors Announced" (Press release). Big Ten Conference. March 8, 2022. Archived from the original on March 8, 2022. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  15. ^ Fezler, D.J. (March 18, 2023). "Complete List of Purdue Men's Basketball All-Time 1,000-Point Scorers". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  16. ^ "100 career rejections". Retrieved December 18, 2022 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ "Edey Picks Up 6th Big Ten Player of the Week Accolade". Purdue Boilermakers. Retrieved February 27, 2023.
  18. ^ DeCourcy, Mike (March 8, 2023). "Purdue's Zach Edey is Sporting News' College Basketball Player of the Year". Sporting News. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  19. ^ "Iowa's Clark, Purdue's Edey Named Big Ten Athletes of the Year" (Press release). Big Ten Conference. June 29, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  20. ^ Beard, Aaron (June 1, 2023). "Purdue's Zach Edey opts to withdraw from NBA draft". NBA. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  21. ^ King, Sam (January 5, 2024). "No. 1 Purdue basketball passes latest test, topples Illinois in top-10 battle". Journal & Courier. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
  22. ^ "Purdue's Edey joins 2K point-1K rebound club". ESPN.com. January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  23. ^ "EDEY NABS LEAGUE-RECORD 10TH BIG TEN PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONOR". purduesports.com. February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  24. ^ Horner, Scott (March 16, 2024). "Watch Zach Edey become Purdue basketball's career scoring leader". IndyStar. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  25. ^ Boone, Kyle (February 26, 2024). "Zach Edey will not return to Purdue in 2024-25: Reigning national player of the year won't use extra season". CBSSports.com. Retrieved February 27, 2024.
  26. ^ "Several More Players Invited to Green Room for 2024 Draft". June 14, 2024.
  27. ^ Polacek, Scott (April 7, 2024). "Purdue's Zach Edey Wins 2nd Straight Naismith Men's College Player of the Year Award". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
  28. ^ "Purdue's Edey, Iowa's Clark Named Big Ten Athletes of the Year" (Press release). Big Ten Conference. June 27, 2024. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
  29. ^ Yapkowitz, David (June 26, 2024). "Zach Edey's instant reaction after Grizzlies' lottery pick". ClutchPoints.com. Retrieved June 26, 2024.
  30. ^ Grizzlies PR [@GrizzliesPR] (July 6, 2024). "The Memphis Grizzlies today signed Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells to multi-year contracts" (Tweet). Retrieved July 14, 2024 – via Twitter.
  31. ^ Finnegan, Troy (October 23, 2024). "Fans flame Grizzlies' Zach Edey after fouling out in NBA debut". ClutchPoints. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  32. ^ "Zach Edey (CAN)'s profile – FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2021". FIBA. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
  33. ^ "FOURTEEN ATHLETES COMMITTED TO REPRESENT CANADA AS SENIOR MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM SUMMER CORE REVEALED". Canada Basketball. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  34. ^ Dichter, Myles (August 31, 2023). "Canada's 7-foot-4 secret weapon, Zach Edey, is hiding in plain sight". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
  35. ^ Rapp, Timothy (September 3, 2023). "Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Canada Qualifying for Olympics: 'We're a Part of History'". The Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  36. ^ "Canada defeats U.S. in overtime to claim bronze, first-ever medal at FIBA World Cup". The Globe & Mail. Associated Press. September 10, 2023. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  37. ^ Rose, Aaron (September 10, 2023). "Canada Clinches 1st World Cup Medal With Thrilling Victory Over Americans". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  38. ^ "Top pick Zach Edey withdraws from Canadian men's Olympic basketball team to prepare for NBA". CBC. June 30, 2024. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
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