Senior Memories - Zach Edey

[Boiler Addict]

Zach needs no introduction. We all know his hockey, baseball, IMG and basketball background.

Most rebounds in Purdue history. Potentially top scorer in Purdue history. Highest career PER in NCAA history to name a few. The National and conference awards. One of three players in NCAA history…. So many stats to choose from, win shares, box plus-minus, etc… and he accomplished this despite not playing 20+ min/game until his junior year.

But I’ll always remember him being on the Purdue team that made it to #1 ranking for the first time, and Purdue’s run of being ranked in the top 5 consecutively.

I met and had an interaction with him November of his freshman year in the halls of Mackey. He had to duck his head to get through a door frame. Told him I’m surprised Purdue hasn’t swapped to bigger doors, he laughed. Told him he’s the best center in America (I didn’t believe it but wanted to show confidence) and he said thanks.

The viral Edey hulk gif when he dunks. The 3 against IU. The Minnesota flying dunk. The FT shooting. The blocks. The offensive rebounds. The consistency.

The 100+ Purdue wins over 4 years. Lots of fun to be a Boilermaker fan.

What’s some of your favorite moments or memories?

 

[Boiler Addict]

Purdue Bio:
2022-23
• Edey had one of the most statistically-dominating seasons in college basketball history, averaging 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.5 assists per game, while shooting 60.7 percent from the field and 73.4 percent from the free throw line.
• Swept all six major National Player of the Year Awards: The Wooden Award, The Naismith Award, The Big O Trophy (USBWA), NABC National Player of the Year, the AP National Player of the Year and The Sporting News National Player of the Year.
• Also named a finalist for the Best Male College Athlete ESPY Award.
• Earned the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award given to the nation's top center and the Pete Newell Award (USBWA) given to the nation's top post player.
• Named Purdue's first Big Ten Player of the Year since 2017 (Caleb Swanigan), was a first-team All-Big Ten honoree, was named to the Big Ten's All-Defensive Team and was the Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player (26.0 PPG, 12.7 RPG).
• Led the country in double-doubles (27) and was second in rebounds per game, sixth in points per game, 18th in blocks per game and 21st in field goal percentage. Edey became the first player in the NCAA database to rank in the top 25 of points, rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage.
• Became the third high-major player (Michael Beasley, Kevin Durant) to rank in the NCAA's top 10 in both scoring and rebounds in the last 20 years.
• Became the first player in NCAA history with 750 points, 400 rebounds, 70 blocks and 50 assists.
• Scored in double-figures in all 34 games and had 20 games of at least 20 points. Posted 17 games of at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.
• His eight games of at least 30 points and 10 rebounds with the most by a major-college player in the last 15 years, and the fourth most in a season in Purdue history.
• His 11 games of at least 25 points and 10 rebounds were the most for a Big Ten player in the last 15 years (next closest was seven by Luka Garza in 2019-20).
• Became just the second Big Ten player and the first in over 60 years (Ohio State's Jerry Lucas) to have at least 700 points and 400 rebounds in a season. His 438 rebounds were a school record and the fourth most by a player in Big Ten history behind three seasons by Jerry Lucas.
• Became the second player, and the first since Ohio State's Gary Bradds in 1964, to lead the Big Ten in points, rebounds and field goal percentage.
• Tallied eight straight 20-point games in November and December, the most for a 7-footer in the last 25 years.
• In two games against Michigan State, Edey averaged 35.0 points and 15.0 rebounds per game, shooting 28-of-50 from the field.
• In two games against Indiana, Edey averaged 29.5 points, 17.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, shooting 23-of-36 from the field.
• Had 31 points and 22 rebounds against Minnesota, Purdue's first game of at least 31 points and 22 rebounds since Terry Dischinger in February 1962.
• Had back-to-back games of 30 points and 10 rebounds in the Big Ten Tournament, becoming the fourth player in the last 25 years to have 30 & 10 in consecutive conference tournament games (Deandre Ayton, Evan Turner, Tim Duncan).

SUMMER 2022
• Was named to Canada's National Team after a strong training camp in early July. Competed with the team in its FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

2021-22
• Edey had an outstanding season for the Boilermakers, being named second-team All-Big Ten and honorable mention All-America (AP).
• Averaged 14.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.2 assists per game in just 19.0 minutes per contest, while shooting 64.8 percent from the field.
• Is the only player in the last 30 years to average 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks in under 20.0 minutes per game. In fact, he is one of just five players to do so in under 25.0 minutes per game.
• Finished the season leading the Big Ten and third nationally in field goal percentage (.648).
• Per-40 career stats rank favorably with the elite big men that have ever played college basketball.
• Averaged 16.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game in nine contests against nationally-ranked foes, shooting 60.6 percent from the field.
• Ended the year scoring in double-figures in 17 straight games, averaging 13.9 points and 7.9 rebounds in those games.
• Recorded 11 double-doubles on the season, including 10 of them coming when he played fewer than 25 minutes -- the most in the country for a player in the last 11 seasons.
• Scored a career-high 25 points in 22 minutes against Michigan State, going 10-of-15 from the field.
• Named to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Tipoff All-Tournament team after averaging 15.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 17.5 minutes played against North Carolina and Villanova.
• Held North Carolina's Armando Bacot to two points and five rebounds in 17 minutes before he fouled out.
• Averaged 16.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in 24.0 minutes per game against Illinois All-American Kofi Cockburn. Was 15-of-24 from the field in the two games combined.
• Averaged 20.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in two games against Big Ten Champion Wisconsin.
• Recorded a pair of double-doubles in the Big Ten Tournament (Michigan State, Iowa) and one more in the NCAA Tournament (Texas).

SUMMER 2021
• Competed with Team Canada at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Latvia.
• Led the Canadians to the bronze medal after averaging 15.1 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game in seven contests.
• Was named to the FIBA World Cup All-Star 5 Team.
• His 14.1 rebounds per game are the third most by a player in the U19 World Cup in event history (rebounds started being tracked in 1999).
• Was the final cut on Canada's senior national team, that narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympics.

2020-21
• Edey had a breakout season for the Boilermakers, appearing in all 28 games with two starts.
• Was named to the Big Ten's All-Freshman Team, after averaging 8.7 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 59.7 percent from the field, the second-best percentage by a freshman in school history. Also shot 71.4 percent from the free throw line, a remarkable number considering he is 7-feet, 4-inches.
• Also blocked 30 shots, good for eighth on the Purdue freshman single-season list.
• Was one of three freshmen nationally to average 8.0 points and 4.0 rebounds, block 30 shots and shoot at least 57.5 percent from the field (Michigan's Hunter Dickinson and USC's Evan Mobley).
• Named to the freshman All-America team by CollegeInsider.com.
• Was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week in the first week (Nov. 30) and last weeks (March 8) of the season.
• Broke onto the scene at the Space Coast Challenge, averaging 18.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in the season's first two games vs. Liberty and Clemson. Scored 36 points in 36 minutes, while going 15-of-18 from the field.
• In the final two regular-season games against Wisconsin and Indiana, averaged 20.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in 19.0 minutes of action, shooting 16-of-21 from the field.
• Recorded first career double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots against Northwestern.
• Posted 11 double-figure scoring games (7-4 record).
• Had 20 turnovers, 23 fouls and one assist in the season's first seven games. In the last 21 games, had just 18 turnovers, 41 fouls and nine assists.

HIGH SCHOOL
• Competed at IMG Academy (Fla.) for his senior season, helping IMG to the UnderArmour Rise Championship.
• Was part of a star-studded team that featured several Division I recruits.
• Competed on the Northern Kings AAU team.
• Was ranked as one of the top-five players in Canada for his senior season.
• Chose Purdue because of the team atmosphere and its strong history with big men.

 

[Boiler Addict]

Purdue Bio Pictures - Set 1​

 

[Boiler Addict]

Purdue Bio Pictures - Set 2

 

[Boiler Addict]

Purdue Bio Pictures - Set 3

 

[BoilerNGold013]

You forgot career 50% 3 pt shooter.

 

[Heads up BOILER]

His commitment, work ethic, attitude, coach-ability, drive, leadership , humility …love how he’s come out of his shell, become more aggressive, great teammate, overall well rounded person, his ability to have fun with the team all while being mauled for the duration of every minute he is on the court.

 

[BoilerAndy]

Wait! He played hockey?!

 

[BoilerDaddy]

Purdue Bio:
2022-23
• Edey had one of the most statistically-dominating seasons in college basketball history, averaging 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.5 assists per game, while shooting 60.7 percent from the field and 73.4 percent from the free throw line.
• Swept all six major National Player of the Year Awards: The Wooden Award, The Naismith Award, The Big O Trophy (USBWA), NABC National Player of the Year, the AP National Player of the Year and The Sporting News National Player of the Year.
• Also named a finalist for the Best Male College Athlete ESPY Award.
• Earned the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award given to the nation's top center and the Pete Newell Award (USBWA) given to the nation's top post player.
• Named Purdue's first Big Ten Player of the Year since 2017 (Caleb Swanigan), was a first-team All-Big Ten honoree, was named to the Big Ten's All-Defensive Team and was the Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player (26.0 PPG, 12.7 RPG).
• Led the country in double-doubles (27) and was second in rebounds per game, sixth in points per game, 18th in blocks per game and 21st in field goal percentage. Edey became the first player in the NCAA database to rank in the top 25 of points, rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage.
• Became the third high-major player (Michael Beasley, Kevin Durant) to rank in the NCAA's top 10 in both scoring and rebounds in the last 20 years.
• Became the first player in NCAA history with 750 points, 400 rebounds, 70 blocks and 50 assists.
• Scored in double-figures in all 34 games and had 20 games of at least 20 points. Posted 17 games of at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.
• His eight games of at least 30 points and 10 rebounds with the most by a major-college player in the last 15 years, and the fourth most in a season in Purdue history.
• His 11 games of at least 25 points and 10 rebounds were the most for a Big Ten player in the last 15 years (next closest was seven by Luka Garza in 2019-20).
• Became just the second Big Ten player and the first in over 60 years (Ohio State's Jerry Lucas) to have at least 700 points and 400 rebounds in a season. His 438 rebounds were a school record and the fourth most by a player in Big Ten history behind three seasons by Jerry Lucas.
• Became the second player, and the first since Ohio State's Gary Bradds in 1964, to lead the Big Ten in points, rebounds and field goal percentage.
• Tallied eight straight 20-point games in November and December, the most for a 7-footer in the last 25 years.
• In two games against Michigan State, Edey averaged 35.0 points and 15.0 rebounds per game, shooting 28-of-50 from the field.
• In two games against Indiana, Edey averaged 29.5 points, 17.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, shooting 23-of-36 from the field.
• Had 31 points and 22 rebounds against Minnesota, Purdue's first game of at least 31 points and 22 rebounds since Terry Dischinger in February 1962.
• Had back-to-back games of 30 points and 10 rebounds in the Big Ten Tournament, becoming the fourth player in the last 25 years to have 30 & 10 in consecutive conference tournament games (Deandre Ayton, Evan Turner, Tim Duncan).

SUMMER 2022
• Was named to Canada's National Team after a strong training camp in early July. Competed with the team in its FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

2021-22
• Edey had an outstanding season for the Boilermakers, being named second-team All-Big Ten and honorable mention All-America (AP).
• Averaged 14.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and 1.2 assists per game in just 19.0 minutes per contest, while shooting 64.8 percent from the field.
• Is the only player in the last 30 years to average 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks in under 20.0 minutes per game. In fact, he is one of just five players to do so in under 25.0 minutes per game.
• Finished the season leading the Big Ten and third nationally in field goal percentage (.648).
• Per-40 career stats rank favorably with the elite big men that have ever played college basketball.
• Averaged 16.3 points and 6.8 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game in nine contests against nationally-ranked foes, shooting 60.6 percent from the field.
• Ended the year scoring in double-figures in 17 straight games, averaging 13.9 points and 7.9 rebounds in those games.
• Recorded 11 double-doubles on the season, including 10 of them coming when he played fewer than 25 minutes -- the most in the country for a player in the last 11 seasons.
• Scored a career-high 25 points in 22 minutes against Michigan State, going 10-of-15 from the field.
• Named to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Tipoff All-Tournament team after averaging 15.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 17.5 minutes played against North Carolina and Villanova.
• Held North Carolina's Armando Bacot to two points and five rebounds in 17 minutes before he fouled out.
• Averaged 16.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in 24.0 minutes per game against Illinois All-American Kofi Cockburn. Was 15-of-24 from the field in the two games combined.
• Averaged 20.5 points and 9.5 rebounds in two games against Big Ten Champion Wisconsin.
• Recorded a pair of double-doubles in the Big Ten Tournament (Michigan State, Iowa) and one more in the NCAA Tournament (Texas).

SUMMER 2021
• Competed with Team Canada at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Latvia.
• Led the Canadians to the bronze medal after averaging 15.1 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game in seven contests.
• Was named to the FIBA World Cup All-Star 5 Team.
• His 14.1 rebounds per game are the third most by a player in the U19 World Cup in event history (rebounds started being tracked in 1999).
• Was the final cut on Canada's senior national team, that narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympics.

2020-21
• Edey had a breakout season for the Boilermakers, appearing in all 28 games with two starts.
• Was named to the Big Ten's All-Freshman Team, after averaging 8.7 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 59.7 percent from the field, the second-best percentage by a freshman in school history. Also shot 71.4 percent from the free throw line, a remarkable number considering he is 7-feet, 4-inches.
• Also blocked 30 shots, good for eighth on the Purdue freshman single-season list.
• Was one of three freshmen nationally to average 8.0 points and 4.0 rebounds, block 30 shots and shoot at least 57.5 percent from the field (Michigan's Hunter Dickinson and USC's Evan Mobley).
• Named to the freshman All-America team by CollegeInsider.com.
• Was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week in the first week (Nov. 30) and last weeks (March 8) of the season.
• Broke onto the scene at the Space Coast Challenge, averaging 18.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in the season's first two games vs. Liberty and Clemson. Scored 36 points in 36 minutes, while going 15-of-18 from the field.
• In the final two regular-season games against Wisconsin and Indiana, averaged 20.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in 19.0 minutes of action, shooting 16-of-21 from the field.
• Recorded first career double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots against Northwestern.
• Posted 11 double-figure scoring games (7-4 record).
• Had 20 turnovers, 23 fouls and one assist in the season's first seven games. In the last 21 games, had just 18 turnovers, 41 fouls and nine assists.

HIGH SCHOOL
• Competed at IMG Academy (Fla.) for his senior season, helping IMG to the UnderArmour Rise Championship.
• Was part of a star-studded team that featured several Division I recruits.
• Competed on the Northern Kings AAU team.
• Was ranked as one of the top-five players in Canada for his senior season.
• Chose Purdue because of the team atmosphere and its strong history with big men.

The one Edey play that stands out to me was his dive to the floor and outlet pass against IU in the first meeting this season. Seeing him out-hustle the Hoosiers in that situation showed what kind of player he is.

 

[Boiler Addict]

The one Edey play that stands out to me was his dive to the floor and outlet pass against IU in the first meeting this season. Seeing him out-hustle the Hoosiers in that situation showed what kind of player he is.

I was watching the MSU game yesterday and remembered, I believe it was Edey’s freshman year @MSU, Painter inserted Edey for a FT offensive rebound. Purdue got it and got the walk off game winner.

 

[Boiler Addict]

85 hours until his last game at Mackey.

 

[Tommaker]

I remember seeing him at his debut at the Bahamas tourney. I was sitting at home by myself and he walked out on the floor...I remember thinking "what the heck is THAT????" He filled the screen. On the first few offensive plays, the ball was pushed inside to Zach and he seemingly effortlessly glided to the basket and dropped it in for two. Even back then, as unpolished as he was, you could see more than just the potential, you could see the PROMISE. I remember standing up, walking around the room saying to nobody in particular, "What the heck! Who is this guy?? Is anybody seeing this? This is incredible!!" I think I tried calling a few people but couldn't get a hold of anyone. It was a watershed moment, like watching the Hindenburg crash in reverse where you see the massive possibilities he represented in his size, demeanor and ability. Good on ya, Zach Edey.

 

[Boiler Addict]

Painter talks a lot about Edey in this article. Interesting read. I thought Painters response to “when did you realize he was a great player?” was interesting.

https://www.foxsports.com/stories/c...n-would-be-cherry-on-top-for-zach-edey-purdue

Here’s some questions Painter answers:

"How do the next 4-5 weeks impact Zach Edey's legacy?"

The first time you ever saw Zach Edey, what were you thinking?

What do people not understand about this kid that you get to see day in and day out?

When did you realize that Zach wasn't just a good player, but that he could be one of the greatest to ever wear the Purdue uniform?

What does Zach's family and circle mean to him and how much of a connection do you feel in his circle?

To that point, by every account, Zach has helped his NBA Draft stock this season and is getting on first-round radars. What have you seen from him and what are you telling evaluators?

The thing that you've said before that stands out to you the most about Zach off the court is his meal intake. What's that look like?

You've coached Isaac Haas, among other 7-footers. How much has Zach forced you to change some things in your coaching style, or adapt some things, or maybe officiate practice differently than you normally would?

Coaches with great players all have different ways of motivating them. Is there a story where you decided to pick on him and press him, knowing that he could take it because it would make the whole team better?

There are coaches who have said the key to making an NCAA Tournament run is simple: just keep making the NCAA Tournament. Because the way it goes, it's not one six-game tournament, but rather six one-game tournaments. You're 27-3, and the narrative is that all that's left for Purdue to do is just a matter of doing it and putting up that March Madness run. Your team has an answer to every question. Do you subscribe to the fact that all that is left for you to do is get on that run of March redemption?

 

[Boiler Addict]

With some recent free time, I went back and looked at some 2019/2020 threads about Purdue’s 2020 class and Edey. Interesting reads.

Everyone was really high on Morton and Dickinson
https://purdue.forums.rivals.com/threads/2020-class.170798/

Kaltbrenner visit & everyone wants him
https://purdue.forums.rivals.com/threads/kalkbrenner.174015/

Still high on Dickinson and Kaltbrenner
https://purdue.forums.rivals.com/threads/athletic-big-vs-large-slow-big.176883/

The first mention of Edey Oct 2019
https://purdue.forums.rivals.com/threads/zach-edey.177533/

Edey Offered Oct 2019 (definitely read this one, hot takes alert!)
https://purdue.forums.rivals.com/threads/edey-offered.177902/

"He just started playing basketball sounds like another project. Just bank the scholarship That would be 2 Projects on this team that's too many. One is too many Projects should be For teams like ball state , Indiana state, Indiana,."

"Bank the scholarship" ... "that's what I would do" ... "Well Unfortunately for me I hope this is one recruiting battle we lose." ... "Just 2 years of basketball And he looks like that . I Will man up and take back what I said That's not a project I repeat that is not a project."

Good take: "Ton of B1G coaches on this board I see. CMP just took us to an EE and people still love to criticize his recruiting. While this happens he just keeps proven people wrong."

Good take: "His story reminds me a bit of Dylan Windler’s... under recruited, other sport athlete until just a short time before college. I’m hopeful we get him"

Good take: "Call me crazy but if he’s as humble as what I’ve seen, how could we not prefer him to a guy like Dickinson (for a lot of reasons)? I’m on board!"

Good take: "If his strength is there, the wait in being a stud may not be long. Lot to like. Quicker than haas and may well be quicker than Dickerson?"

Best take: "a player with an astronomical ceiling and probably an acceptable floor"

Edey minutes / RS projection
https://purdue.forums.rivals.com/threads/2020-2021-minutes-projections.192721/

The best take: “whether he is great or not, because of Haarms' departure, and Dow's lack of improvement, I expect Edey to play. As part of the Canada national team and playing at IMG, he didn't play many minutes, but he did receive good coaching, and played against some decent competition. he was the understudy at IMG to the center who went to Duke. Si he should have learned something. Sure, he's a project, but I believe his floor is higher than most. I have to believe his production should come close to haarms and Haas production as freshmen. I' m not expecting much, other than some minutes, a few boards and maybe some blocks”

“Edey for President” Nov 25, 2020
https://purdue.forums.rivals.com/threads/zach-edey-for-president.200828/

“Freshman Domination” Nov 25, 2020
https://purdue.forums.rivals.com/threads/omg-saw-a-fr-big-dominate-tonight-19-pts.200877/

“Recruiting Services Got It Wrong” Nov 27, 2020
https://purdue.forums.rivals.com/threads/edey-shows-how-recruiting-services-can-get-it-wrong.201008/

“Edey and Officials” Dec 2020
https://purdue.forums.rivals.com/threads/edey.202440/

My favorite take: “No reason 1 team shoots 20 more foul shots.”

Zack’s Problem Dec 23, 2020
https://purdue.forums.rivals.com/threads/zacks-problem.203358/

My favorite take: “If you are dumb enough to put your head anywhere near Hass or Edey's elbows you deserve the black eye or knocked out tooth you get plus an intentional foul.”

 

[Boiler Addict]

Pre-Purdue Summer 2019 Video


2023 POY Highlights


The End - Julia Edey's Message to Zach @ Final 4 - Rivals thread

 

[Tommaker]

“Edey for President” Nov 25, 2020
https://purdue.forums.rivals.com/threads/zach-edey-for-president.200828/

I still like telling the story of the first time I saw him play. It was the tournament down in the Bahamas (the one a lot of shooters don't like because of the low ceilings). I'm sitting at home and he walks out onto the floor; I'm like "what the....what the heck?!? What the heck is this????"

And then he started playing.

Still rough, there was an effortlessness about his movement to the rim. He made it look natural and EASY, and I was in awe. Nobody could stop him. I don't think Painter had him in for very long, but he didn't need to, you could tell he was special. I remember standing up and walking around saying "LOOK at this guy!" to nobody in particular. I think I tried calling a few folks to get them to watch this phenom, but couldn't get ahold of anybody. I talked to anyone who would listen about him for weeks afterwards. Kinda felt like this: