Memphis Grizzlies select Zach Edey in 2024 NBA Draft

The Memphis Grizzlies just made a big move by selecting Zach Edey at No. 9 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Edey enters the NBA after having a memorable career with the Purdue Boilermakers. He’s one of the biggest incoming NBA players, standing at 7’5” and nearly 300 pounds.

Edey was arguably the best college basketball player over the last two seasons. He was named the National College Player of the Year in 2023 and 2024 and was a two-time consensus All-American. This past season, Edey led the nation in scoring, averaging 25.2 points per contest. He also averaged 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks, and his production helped Purdue reach the national championship game against UConn.

During the 2022-23 season, Edey averaged 22.3 points, 12,9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per contest. He became the first player in NCAA history to tally 750 points, 400 rebounds, 70 blocks and 50 assists. Edey led the Boilermakers to the Big Ten title that season and its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2019.

Edey played high school basketball at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He was ranked No. 255 overall and the 36th-best center in On’3’s 2020 Industry Rankings.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Zach Edey

Edey is ranked No. 23 in On3’s Draft Big Board. James Fletcher wrote: “The back-to-back college player of the year is among the most accomplished amateurs to enter the NBA in years. However, the way Zach Edey translates to the professional ranks remains a question. The defensive three seconds rule and pace of play make his role on both ends less than a sure thing. However, success by players like Rudy Gobert and Walker Kessler in recent seasons suggests a definite path to production.”

Rotowire also shared its thoughts on Edey. “At 7-foot-4, Edey dominated collegiate opponents with ease. He was a great screener, attacked the boards, displayed solid footwork and an efficient touch around the rim,” Rotowire wrote, per NBA.com. “Edey had great discipline defensively (less than 2.0 fouls per game as a junior and senior) and rarely needed to leave his feet to swat shots as an amateur. His large base allowed him to move defenders out of position and get to his spots.

“Edey was also a quality free-throw shooter for a center, making over 71 percent from the stripe in three of four seasons at Purdue. There’ll be a stiff learning curve at the professional level, and Edey is far from a polished product. However, given he’s been playing the game for only six years, there’s no reason to believe he’s anywhere near his peak yet.”