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 and has developed into a solid FT shooter at over 70%.

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.

Has good touch on half hooks and little flip shots and layups around the rim.

Unstoppable at the college level but an awkward fit in today’s NBA.

Comparisons

• a bigger Ivica Zubac
• with some Boban Marjanovic
• Yao Ming with a little less size and mobility

Draft Projection

second round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft

2023 Center Rankings

1. Victor Wembanyama – 7-4 – France
2. Adem Bona – 6-10 – UCLA (Turkey)
3. Dereck Lively – 7-0 – Duke
4. James Nnaji – 6-10 – Barcelona (Nigeria)
5. Kel’el Ware – 7-0 – Oregon
6. Zach Edey – 7-4 – Purdue
7. Tristan Vukcevic – 6-10 – Serbia
8. Clifford Omoruyi – 6-11 – Rutgers (Nigeria) 
9. Oumar Ballo – 6-10 – Arizona (Mali) 
10. Zvonimir Ivisic – 7-3 – Croatia
11. Oscar Tshiebwe – 6-9 – Kentucky (Congo)
12. Armando Bacot – 6-9 – UNC
13. Hunter Dickenson – 7-1 – Michigan
14. Jonathan Tchamwa.T… – 6-8 – Baylor (Cameroon)
15. Nfaly Dante – 7-0 – Oregon (Mali)
16. Jamarion Sharp – 7-5 – W. Kentucky
17. Charles Bediako – 6-11 – Alabama (Canada)