Zach Edey enters the 2024 NBA draft: 7ft 4ins superstar reveals ‘it is time’ after record-breaking college career with Purdue

Zach Edey, the 7ft 4ins star who enjoyed one the most decorated careers in college basketball, is entering the 2024 NBA draft.

The center was the consensus national player of the year, despite his Purdue team losing the national championship game against UConn earlier this month.

‘I felt like it was time,’ Edey told ESPN . ‘I showed that I’m a physical presence on offense this season… I also showed I can play defense. I can guard in space, even defend guards.’

The center from Canada entered the 2023 draft before electing to return to Purdue for his senior year. 

He went on to lead No 1 seed Purdue to the final of March Madness before recording 37 points and 10 rebounds against UConn.

The center from Canada entered the 2023 NBA draft before electing to return to Purdue

It was the most points scored in a national championship game since 1978, while his tally of 177 points in the tournament was the second highest ever. 

But Edey insists there are still elements of his game he will only unlock once he joins the professional ranks.

‘What wins in college and the NBA are totally different,’ Edey told ESPN. ‘There are a lot of things I can do that people haven’t seen yet. 

‘I was focusing on impacting winning at Purdue, and simplifying my game. Every year I’ve taken steps forward and there’s no reason I can’t keep getting better.’

Edey only began playing basketball seriously as a high school sophomore in 2017,. Until then, his focus had primarily been on hockey and baseball. 

‘I’m still learning the game,’ Edey said. ‘There were moments in practice at Purdue that I learned something basic, little stuff that maybe others were taught in sixth or seventh grade. I’m going to keep expanding my game and do things people haven’t seen from me.’