ContestsEvents

The Future of Purdue’s Zach Edey in the NBA is Getting Clearer

Purdue's Zach Edey #15 of the Boilermakers walks across the court before the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament National Championship game against the Connecticut Huskies at State Farm Stadium.

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

There's no denying the superstar power of Purdue's Zach Edey, and everyone is guessing where he'll get picked in the NBA Draft. The 2024 NCAA Championship happened several weeks ago, and now, all anyone can talk about when it comes to college hoops is the upcoming NBA Draft. At 7'4", Edey was one of the tallest players in college hoops, and that height should help him in the pros, albeit not as much. Now, Edey has declared for the NBA Draft, reports ESPN. There was never really a question of if he would go to the NBA, but now, it's official. So, where will Purdue's Zach Edey end up?

Purdue's Zach Edey: Where Will He Be Drafted?

Purdue's Zach Edey is a huge talent on the court. He's a two-time Naismith National Player of the Year. He helped lead Purdue to many victories during his time at the college. As a Michigan State Spartans fan, I was never happy to see Edey help the Boilmakers beat the Spartans, but I respect his talent and skills. But, even with all of his great skills, he's not expected to be drafted in the top 10 in the NBA Draft. Many analysts, including myself, see him going later, although I could certainly see him being a mid or late first-round pick. Some NBA scouts think it will be hard for him to transition to the NBA, where his size won't be such an anomaly. He's also not known for his three-point shooting, which is critical in the NBA these days. That said, he's still incredible and should be an asset to any team that picks him.

As for when his name will be called, ESPN has him as the No. 14 prospect in their draft projections. CBSSports.com has him as their No. 26 pick, but they note, "He's been the best player in college for two straight years and should get looks as early as the teens in this draft." USAToday.com has him anywhere from the No. 20 to No. 26 pick. Sports Illustrated as him going No. 26.

Regardless of what number he is, fans and analysts seem to want to see Purdue's Zach Edey with the Toronto Raptors, since he's Canadian. It would be a heartwarming homecoming to have him with the Raptors. In USAToday.com's latest mock draft, they have Toronto taking Matas Buzelis and Zach Edey, to add size to their team. Size is something they need and will get with those two guys. Moreover, fans on X (formerly Twitter) seem set on the idea of Edey coming back home to play for the Raptors.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.