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Purdue appears to take a shot at Kentucky using Zach Edey, Zvonimir Ivisic

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•01/22/24•

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Edey
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 17: Zach Edey #15 of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts during the second half of a game against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 17, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Zach Edey has another big week in the Big Ten, winning Player of the Week. But that’s nothing new for him, being one of the conference’s best players for the past few seasons. Edey has won Big Ten Player of the Week nine different times, just one away from tying the record for most in a career.

Purdue put out a tweet congratulating their player, potentially setting up a fun internet debate between their fans and Kentucky. They gave Edey the nickname “Big Z” fresh off the performance Kentucky freshman Zvonimir Ivisic had on Saturday against Georgia.

Now, multiple people can have the same nickname but with how passionate both Kentucky and Purdue fans are, they are going to claim it. Edey is definitely more established across college basketball but there might not be a hotter story in the sport at the moment than Ivisic.

Now, if there is something both sides can agree on, it’s that the two players are big. Edey measures in at 7-4, while Ivisic is 7-2. The former is usually down low on the block, having a ton of success around the rim and scoring nearly at will. Ivisic has proven his game can expand to the outside, hitting multiple three-pointers in his college basketball debut.

As to who gets to officially claim the nickname… the debate will have to ensure. Both sides will have compelling arguments.

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Maybe we will get to decide on the court if Kentucky and Purdue face off against one another in the NCAA Tournament. Maybe the game can occur in Phoenix, with the Final Four taking place in the desert this April.

Neither fanbase would be upset with the scenario, still being alive to win a national championship. Something a lot more important would be on the line though, with the winner getting to officially name their big man, Big Z.

Zach Edey earns Big Ten Player of the Week

Whether or not Edey has the nickname Big Z, he deserved to win the Big Ten Player of the Week Award. Not only did Purdue comfortably win two huge conference games on the road but Edey was dominant throughout them both.

Against in-state rival Indiana, Edey went for 33 points and 14 rebounds. He followed it up on Saturday with 30 points and 18 rebounds against Iowa. Just an incredible two-game stretch for the reigning National Player of the Year.