Zach Edey has emerged as a standout player for the Purdue Boilermakers during this year’s March Madness. He has showcased dominance in offence and defence and established himself as a men’s college basketball force.
Following a disappointing upset in last year’s first round, Edey has propelled his team to the Final Four with a determined and focused approach. As discussions turn to his future in professional basketball, speculation abounds about where the seven-foot-four big man will land.
Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas recently shared his perspective on Edey’s NBA prospects, expressing doubts about his ability to defend effectively at the professional level. While Edey’s potential to be a lottery pick may seem unlikely, the unpredictability of this year’s draft class leaves room for surprises.
Gilbert Arenas calls Zach Edey a waste of a lottery pick
“How’s he gonna play defense in the NBA?”
(🎥 @GilsArenaShow / h/t @NBABeyondCourt )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 2, 2024
Edey’s recent performance, including a career-high 40-point game against Tennessee in the Elite 8, has only added to his draft stock’s intrigue. With impressive averages of 30 points and 16.2 rebounds per game in the tournament, Edey has proven himself to be an unstoppable force in the paint.
However, questions remain about his suitability for the NBA game, particularly his ability to space the floor and defend against perimeter players. While Edey’s size and reach are undeniable assets, his style of play may not seamlessly transition to the professional level, where the game is faster-paced and requires greater versatility.
Basketball fans and analysts will closely follow Edey’s journey from college standout to potential professional prospect.
