WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana – After his weeklong breakout performance on the national stage, the only thing on Zach Edey’s mind was sneakers.
When Edey entered college, he switched from wearing the 1’s Rize Zoom Nike to the 2’s Rize Zoom Nike, as his eyesight was not good enough. Additionally, being a 7-foot-4 center for Purdue, he has a limited selection of basketball sneakers in size 20.
In an attempt to sell size 20s, various individuals have been privately messaging Edey, enticing him with offers. In anticipation of a potential scarcity, Edey has been accumulating an assortment of the Zoom Rize 2’s in various colors. However, the upcoming iteration of the shoe lacks comfort, posing a predicament. The issue lies in Nike’s decision to discontinue the Zoom Rize 2’s.
When he had a request to award the MVP honors, Nike handed him the co-founder’s award. Edey went to Portland to play in the Legacy Knight Phil tournament, averaging 10.3 rebounds and 22.7 points against Duke and Gonzaga West in November.
“I’ll take as many of these as you can provide me,” he informed Phil Knight.
It hasn’t been successful – yet.
ESPN informed Edey, “He simply chuckled and brushed it aside.” Since then, there has been no further information regarding the matter. However, since I am not eager for the remaining ones, I certainly require as many of these as I can get.
Playing basketball, even though it may not have been Edey’s preferred sport, could have been an option for him. In the year 2023, Edey wouldn’t have been considered a front-runner for the National Player of the Year. The situation with the shoe is a problem that Edey would have never expected five years ago.
His rise from hockey and baseball to become the best college basketball player is like a pie chart with equal parts commitment and dedication from Purdue’s coaching staff and Edey’s size.
Zach Edey represents the newest addition to Purdue’s transformation into Big Man University.
Put the blame on the umpires.
In the realm of Purdue basketball history, Edey has emerged as one of the finest players. However, it is highly unlikely that he would ever be able to achieve his full potential in Mackey Arena due to the inconsistent performance of his teammates. Without a reliable support system, Edey’s skills would go to waste. It can be said that the referees in Toronto hold a significant influence over the outcome of the game, making it easy for them to become the scapegoats in various situations. In this regard, Matt Painter might find himself indebted to the umpires in the long run.
Edey grew up in Toronto, mostly playing basketball and eschewing baseball and hockey, because people kept telling him that he should play it. He was a first baseman and pitcher in baseball, and a right-sided defenseman in hockey.
“If I were in America I wouldn’t have gotten away with playing [basketball] as late as I did,” he stated.
After a growth spurt that took him from 6-10 to 6-4, he was tall for middle school but it was difficult for him to just play baseball and hockey.
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The only two players in that group who didn’t succeed were Sandi Marcius and Emmanuel Dowuona.
When it comes to the success of a high school five-star prospect like Swanigan, the position he plays is especially important, with his development relying heavily on his performance at center. In fact, his rate of hitting remarkable shots is truly impressive, making him stand out among the 11 recruits.
To uncover Painter and Purdue’s mystery, one must begin on the recruitment path.
Painter stated, “The capacity to reach your desired destination or to have the capability to obtain possession of the ball and reach your desired destination is truly essential. That is the primary aspect … The capability to achieve a favorable position and can you successfully put the ball in the basket? You must possess sufficient skill, whether it is the ability to consistently make an 8-foot jump hook or to penetrate so profoundly that the opponents are compelled to commit a foul. Ultimately, it all comes down to whether you can attain a favorable position and successfully score the ball.”
Over the past decade, Purdue has achieved a top 25 ranking in KenPom’s average height measurement on seven occasions. In a time where smaller lineups and 3-pointers are highly valued, the Boilermakers stand out as one of the rare high-major teams that continue to embrace an offensive strategy centered around their center.
Haas was not actively concealing. His retort? Brantley recollected Isaac Haas’ inaugural year, during which he maintained an average of 7.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in a mere 14.6 minutes. He mentioned receiving inquiries from other university coaches, seeking information on the origin of Haas, a recruit positioned on the cusp of the top 100.
Brantley expressed, “‘Dude, he was on the court with Devin Booker! You all needed to witness it.’ I responded, ‘And if we simply improve these individuals and pass them the ball, we will adopt a strategy that emphasizes great size and adheres to traditional principles. In today’s basketball, people tend to favor tall and athletic players. However, I believe that these players are underestimated, as they all possess a certain level of skill. Everyone is pursuing those lengthy, athletic players.'”
“I don’t want to say we’ve monopolized the market but everybody knows that’s what we seek.”
Painter has recruited Edey, who is not only a high school prospect, but also a proven player with 15 years of development under his belt, as much as he has recruited the Boilermakers.
“I’ve learned to be selective in that role,” Painter stated.
Before the 2020 class, the big man from Michigan, Edey, arrived at Purdue to join the Boilermakers. Coach Painter made Dickinson their top target and completely disregarded highly ranked recruits. It’s intentional that only one center was ranked in the top 40.
Purdue’s system and have an influence if he believes they have the potential to eventually integrate into Painter’s team, he is open to taking risks on recruits with lower rankings.
Painter stated, “I need to engage in battles that I have a high chance of winning.” “Occasionally, during the talent scouting process, when individuals receive high rankings, I assess them and develop a positive opinion, but I hold an equal admiration for this other individual. Some individuals suggest that I should pursue the aforementioned individual. However, that option is simple and lacks excitement. I prefer to select someone who genuinely desires to be a part of this endeavor.”
Throw the basketball to them, and play with whoever performs, Purdue adheres to two fundamental principles in its program for developing big men once they arrive on campus.
Opening up the shooters on the perimeter – while keeping one player available to provide additional assistance – compels the defense to apply pressure. When it comes to recruiting, Painter and the coaching staff prioritize centers who are capable of establishing advantageous positions near the basket. This principle is rooted in the fundamental aspect of the game. The offense is built around the concept of having an open shooter distribute the ball, resulting in either a score or attracting an additional defender, ultimately leading to the ball being delivered to the big men positioned near the block.
It’s not a coincidence that Purdue’s best shooting teams have been among the top 3-point shooting teams in the nation, making better than 37% of their 3-pointers in each of the past six seasons. As a result, they are going to the NCAA tournament for the fourth time in four seasons.
Purdue assistant Brandon Brantley
Brantley stated, “Our formula is to surround those guys with skill and put a big monster in the middle.” If you don’t want to risk it and want good luck, don’t double down. That’s the rule. If you play one-on-one and score in basketball, they go out there. We have been able to beat them and work with those guys by getting the ball out there and doubling the score. It’s pretty simple. I think Coach has done a really good job knowing and sticking to that formula, and he wants to know what he wants and knows his job well.”
In the 2021-22 preseason, he received a lot of attention as an All-American. He earned ten first-team All-Big honors, averaging 9.1 rebounds and 15.5 points. Williams was considered one of the best players in the country last season, alongside Trevion Williams and Edey. He played a significant role in the team’s success during the previous season.
In the season opener against Bellarmine, Edey played behind for just 15 minutes. He then came off the bench in a exhibition game against the University of Indianapolis, Williams.
During the preseason training sessions, Edey managed to surpass him and narrowed the distance by the conclusion of the last season, according to Painter, who stated that the situation was not intricate.
Regardless of the hype or status, if you’re impacting the word, you’ll get on the floor. It was shown that Painter was sticking to his word, but Williams was still one of the best late-game players in the country and earned All-Big Ten third-team honors by the end of the campaign.
Edey expressed, “The quality of your production is remarkable.” “Last season, you achieved success of various kinds, regardless of the specific nature. Purdue can assist you significantly, and you can rely on their support. It is purely beneficial.”
After potentially losing Edey, Painter knew that he needed another tall player in the pipeline. Renn and Trey Kaufman-Furst are getting ready to take on bigger roles, but when it comes to manning the post and utilizing a 7-2 and 7-4 player, it will be difficult to switch to a more prototypical big man in 2023.
When Painter was getting calls from coaches about Edey’s potential, he reminded them that West Lafayette isn’t quite big enough for 6-10 and 6-9.
He stated, “We need something larger.” “Those guys are interchangeable, we have already switched Trey and Caleb, we have already switched Trey and Caleb, and we have those guys.” We obtained those guys. No, no, I won’t go.
The success story of Purdue is nowhere near over. Berg, a 7-1 center from Sweden, comes in as a big-man recruit. He is the 11th recruit mentioned and will redshirt this season.
He stated, ‘I believe I will be prepared, whenever my opportunity arises, when it is my turn to step up.’ ‘I have no justification to truly question my abilities or feel anxious,’ as long as I adhere to the guidance of Coach.
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Edey expressed, “It was a migraine. Some experienced it immense, some experienced it brief. Umpires were unsure how to determine my strike area. I was constantly striking out. My strike area was excessively large. I felt unable to continue participating in this sport.”
“It’s always the referee’s fault,” he added with a chuckle.
Edey turned to basketball, so all-star games, prep school visits, and AAU tournaments quickly became a big part of his life. He didn’t start taking the sport seriously until he was 16 years old in 2018.
Steve Lutz, a member of Purdue’s coaching staff, witnessed Edey in action. During the 2019 College Basketball Academy summer events in Houston, Lutz observed a towering center skillfully catching the ball at the elbow, rather than just in the low block. Aware that someone possessing both agility and size would surely grab Painter’s attention, Lutz was uncertain about the player’s identity.
Julia, the son of Edey, sent her Purdue pitching and hitting. However, Lutz, the mother, used a different tactic, so there wasn’t a lot of ready-made film available.
Lutz, currently serving as the head coach at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, expressed, “Tall individuals simply lack the ability to coordinate their eyes and hands in the same manner.” “He was striking a baseball at a speed of either 60 or 80 mph. He pitched in the 80s.” “Paint was asserting, ‘Individuals of larger stature are incapable of performing these actions.'”
Lutz was correct, as well – once Painter laid eyes on Edey in person, he was captivated.
“When I watched him work out, I really liked him,” Painter said. “When he went and played open gym, he was just running sPrint.s, just out there. He didn’t get the ball. Then you go back and watch him again. You watch him in workouts. He’s got good hands, he could move, he’s got pretty good fundamentals – but you want to see somebody do it before you take him. And we just had to take him [based] on, like, he’s just got really good physical ability. He just hasn’t done it yet. There’s a risk there.”
There was still a very limited opportunity for Edey to play, despite having talent and a stacked roster. In June of last year, Duke picked Williams in the first round, while Jeremiah Earl-Robinson plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder; Edey would enroll at IMG Academy in Florida to practice against North Carolina star Bacot and other talented players like Armando.
Edey Purdue immediately expressed interest in reclassifying to 2021. One of the issues was the possibility of him joining the targets Kalkbrenner and Castleton. Behind the scenes, the Boilermakers quietly showed interest in Hunter Dickinson, Colin Dickinson, and Castleton. This interest stemmed from the success Gonzaga and Purdue had always had with centers. In the summer, Edey, who was a three-star recruit, also visited Baylor between his senior and junior years.
Edey mentioned, “I sort of had to make it clear that I was intrigued by Purdue.” He contacted Painter within a week after informing my coach about my desire to attend Purdue. [Painter] responded with something like, ‘Oh, we should arrange a meeting at some point. You should consider visiting.'”
Edey decided to be more straightforward after his first conversation with him in Lafayette West. He committed to visit Purdue after two weeks. He was offered the weekend visit.
“I always inform individuals that I nearly pursued Purdue University as intensely as Purdue University pursued me,” he stated.
The rise of (the latest) big man
After the 2019-2020 season, Trevion Williams transferred to BYU once Matt Haarms left. He had no interest in sitting out a year and wanted to have more depth behind Painter. Edey, a raw freshman with a lot of physical tools but lacking experience playing with veteran players, would have been the perfect candidate to redshirt.
Edey was ready to invest. Furthermore, Purdue’s coaching staff was dedicated to nurturing Edey, just as they had done for numerous tall players prior to Edey. However, his initial difficulties were somewhat anticipated due to his limited experience in high school.
The painter expressed, “He just discovered his path.” “Is he quite skilled?” Or “are the individuals in my training incapable of defending him?” I responded, “Since he began playing.” “Persistently, they’re committing fouls against him.” … “And subsequently, I contracted COVID-19 towards the conclusion of September.” “Consequently, I had to abstain for 17 days.” “Eventually, I returned,” and “I was astonished by the extent of his progress during that period.” “He was present in the gym daily.”
He played 13 consecutive games, scoring in double figures in the first five games and hitting single digits in the remaining six. He recorded eight rebounds and 17 points against Clemson. He was then followed by scoring 19 points against Liberty in his first college game, hitting the ground running.
However, Painter observed encouraging signs of development, particularly from a foundational standpoint.
He said, “The main things were turning over without two and people elbowing in the head.” “It almost came to a stop, and then he suddenly stopped doing it, like he was just like that, and people elbowed him in the head, where he turned over it and went like six or five games.” He said, “He was slowly eliminated and then some bad stuff and really good stuff was there, like having two monitor checks, four fouls, five rebounds, and 14 points in 13 minutes in the games where he would be.”
With a shooting percentage of 62.8% from the field, Edey is currently maintaining an average of 22.2 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, establishing himself as the top player in college basketball during his junior year. In the 2020-21 season, he performed well enough to secure a position on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, recording an average of 8.7 points and 4.4 rebounds. The following season, he surpassed Williams in the starting lineup and improved his performance with averages of 14.4 points and 7.7 rebounds, consequently receiving second-team All-Big Ten honors. It is worth noting that his progress and growth have not halted.
He shows consistent dedication to his steady regimen of improvement – particularly, his work ethic. After each shootaround and practice, he follows the same 15-minute routine. Similarly, he performs the same pregame warmup by doing layups.
Purdue head coach Matt Painter on Zach Edey
The pregame tradition was established by the two individuals – Edey faced difficulties in his passing skills, he informed Brantley that he was never instructed on how to execute a pass – and as a result, Brandon Brantley, the assistant coach primarily responsible for coaching the taller players, refers to a passing exercise that he initiated with Edey upon his initial arrival at the university. This drill is straightforward in nature.
Three years later, even though Edey is a dramatically improved passer, he still gets Brantley to run the same drill before games.
If you didn’t know him, you wouldn’t have any idea that he was one of the best players in college basketball. He has no ego as a coach, and he hangs out with everyone. As a coach, it’s refreshing. He will sit up there and watch a film for an hour, and he won’t look at the clock. We can do our workouts anytime, and he’s not watching us.
What ranked was he and where did this guy come from? I think he’s probably had the biggest chip on his shoulder out of any of the guys I’ve coached.
“He’s only skilled because of his size,” – it’s not the criticism this time, solely Edey’s drive to demonstrate others mistaken remains.
Coaches will agree that not all tall players excel in the ability to secure a favorable position in the post. It is a misguided assessment to assume that there are players taller than Edey who possess greater dominance in college basketball.
He declared, “Engaging in a match against me would undeniably bring about frustration. I wouldn’t have the desire to partake in such an activity.” If I fail to achieve, I simply accept it. If I succeed, I embrace it. I am determined to reach the designated areas on the court, irrespective of the defensive strategies employed by the opposing team. Often, the outcome hinges on my ability to successfully execute a shot.
During the Purdue versus Florida State match, Edey competed against Naheem McLeod, defeating him with a score of 7-4 while also managing to score 25 points and secure eight rebounds. In another game against Duke’s freshman Dereck Lively, who stands 7-1, Edey recorded impressive stats of 21 points and 12 rebounds.
“For some unknown cause, individuals somewhat regard it as an unfavorable aspect. I maintain a straightforward approach on the court and I believe individuals of my stature who haven’t achieved the level of success I have. That’s not merely a result of chance,” expressed Edey. “It’s challenging to approach the basket closely. Individuals assert that I solely attempt layups or hook shots. I diligently put in immense effort every single day.”
People are overcomplicating the game by thinking it’s important to put the through ball into the hoop in order to score two points.
Brantley encapsulated it by stating, “Dude, do you realize the quantity of towering individuals who participate in collegiate basketball and lack proficiency?”
West Lafayette, the place to be (if you’re really big)
The final step in Purdue University’s evolution into a big-man powerhouse in college basketball is the culmination of 15 years of unique success. Edey, a high-major borderline recruit, has developed into the overwhelming favorite for National Player of the Year.
Caleb Furst and Edey have consistently been the next piece in the frontcourt for the past two seasons. Caleb Furst and Edey have consistently been the next piece in the frontcourt for the past two seasons. Caleb Furst and Edey have consistently been the next piece in the frontcourt for the past two seasons. Caleb Furst and Edey have consistently been the next piece in the frontcourt for the past two seasons. Furst, Caleb, and Edey have arguably been the best shot-blockers in the Big Ten, transferring to BYU before their college careers. They averaged double figures in points and started 41 games while in college. Purdue has signed centers who were classified as players coming out of high school, such as Swanigan Caleb Haas Isaac Hammons A.J. Johnson JaJuan, six of those eleven players. Since 2007, ESPN’s recruiting database has been used.
One (big) happy family
Looking ahead, the Boilermakers need to guarantee a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament. He’s not even considering the possibility that it would be surreal to win the National Player of the Year Award, despite admitting that it would be an “experience”. He’s not concerned about whether he will win the Wooden Award, and he’s not worried about where he might be picked in the second round of the NBA mock drafts, even though he’s considered a borderline pick. As Edey leans back in the plush seats of Mackey Arena, the day before Purdue takes on Penn State.
Now, he’s contemplating sushi.
However, with the clock nearing 6 p.M. On this Tuesday evening, Edey has not yet fixed his had. Before every game night, including this one, he extends his warmup and post-practice workout to the court, and he also enjoys sushi. Edey’s tendencies as a creature of habit are evident in his strict adherence to the same pregame warmup and post-practice workout.
Edey expressed, “Those are my favorites.” I enjoy rolls that contain tempura shrimp. Rainbow rolls are to my liking. Nigiri is also enjoyable for me. I plan on ordering some rolls.
Presently, as an individual who recently began to approach the sport with dedication five years ago, he is purely relishing the experience of playing basketball. The achievement of personal accolades and the decision to continue or leave can be postponed. All other matters are currently of lesser importance.