Zach Edey

Draft Notes

Zach Edey is one of the most interesting prospects to evaluate and is such a unique player that it’s hard to project his game to the NBA level. It seems likely that he’ll just be too slow and will get roasted over and over again trying to defend NBA speed but he could also be a situational difference maker off the bench to finds a specific role and a way to contribute to a NBA team.

At 7-4 and probably close to 300lbs he’s a bit bigger than Boban Marjanovic but probably a bit slower as well. On defense he can contribute by clogging the lane and altering shots but could also get lost in the up and down speed of the league.

Edey has nice hands and a good touch around the rim. He finishes plays pretty well and draws plenty of fouls, although he’s a sub 70% FT shooter at this point. It seems likely he’ll develop into a decent FT shooter in time but for now it’s a weakness.

Does a good job of keeping the ball high and putting the ball up quickly to avoid getting stripped. Knows his role and gets right into the paint and throws his weight around. His size really ‘wows’ you when he elevates to dunk the ball and he can be unstoppable once he gets deep position in the paint.

Comparisons

• a bigger Ivica Zubac
• with some Boban Marjanovic

Draft Projection

possible second round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

2023 Center Rankings

1. Victor Wembanyama – 7-2 – France
2. Kel’el Ware – 7-0 – Oregon
3. Dereck Lively – 7-0 – Duke
4. James Nnaji – 6-10 – Barcelona (Nigeria)
5. Oscar Tshiebwe – 6-9 – Kentucky (Congo)
6. Yohan Traore – 6-10 – Prolific Prep (France)
7. Armando Bacot – 6-9 – UNC
8. Kenneth Lofton Jr. – 6-7 – LA Tech
9. Vincent Iwuchukwu – 7-0 – USC
10. Jamarion Sharp – 7-5 – W. Kentucky
11. Zach Edey – 7-4 – Purdue
12. Hunter Dickenson – 7-1 – Michigan
13. Dilan Anderson – 7-0 – Arizona
14. Clifford Omoruyi – 6-11 – Rutgers (Nigeria) 
15. Jonathan Tchamwa.T… – 6-8 – Baylor (Cameroon)
16. Zvonimir Ivisic – 7-3 – Croatia
17. Nfaly Dante – 7-0 – Oregon (Mali)
18. Oumar Ballo – 6-10 – Arizona (Mali) 
19. Ariel Hukporti – 6-11 – Germany
20. Tristan Vukcevic – 6-10 – Serbia
21. Franck Kepnang – 6-11- Oregon (Cameroon)
22. Charles Bediako – 6-11 – Alabama (Canada)
23. Moussa Cisse – 6-11 – NA (Guinea) 
24. Enoch Boakye – 6-10 – Arizona State (Canada)
25. Mady Sissoko – 6-10 – Michigan State (Mali)
26. Jerrell Colbert – 6-10 – LSU
27. Bretner Mutombo – 6-9 – Congo
28. Will Baker – 7-0 – Nevada
29. Ryan Mutombo – 6-11 – Georgetown