Purdue's Zach Edey Returns to College, Withdraws from 2023 NBA Draft
Edey's Strengths and Weaknesses Still Apparent
Despite withdrawing from the NBA Draft, Zach Edey's strengths and weaknesses as a basketball player remain largely unchanged.
Zach Edey, a star center for Purdue University, has announced that he will be returning to college for another year. Edey, who is regarded as a top prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft, had previously declared for the 2023 draft but has since withdrawn his name.
In a previous breakdown of Edey's strengths and weaknesses, it was noted that he possesses exceptional size and athleticism for his position. Standing at 7'4" barefoot with a 9'7.5" standing reach and a 7'10.5" wingspan, Edey is a dominant force in the paint. He also has a strong frame and good mobility for his size.
However, Edey's weaknesses include a limited offensive skill set and a lack of experience at the NBA level. While he is a skilled finisher around the basket, he has shown limited ability to score outside the paint or create his own shot. Additionally, his defensive awareness and positioning can be inconsistent at times.
Despite his weaknesses, Edey's production at Purdue has been undeniable. He averaged 16.2 points and 13.1 rebounds per game during the 2022-23 season, leading the NCAA in both categories. He also recorded 79 blocks, which ranked third in the country.
Edey's decision to return to college is likely motivated by a desire to improve his overall game and increase his draft stock. By spending another year at Purdue, he will have the opportunity to develop his offensive skills, improve his consistency, and gain valuable experience playing against top-level competition.
Edey is currently projected to be a mid-first to second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft according to mock drafts by USA Today Sports' Jeff Zilgitt and Scooby Axson. With another year of college basketball under his belt, he has the potential to improve his draft position and become a valuable asset to an NBA team.
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