Is Zach Edey going to the NBA? Exploring the NCAA star's likely next step

Zach Edey was one of college basketball's most impactful players this year and has been throughout his three-year career at Purdue.

The 7-foot-4 center is coming off of a season in which he averaged 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. While Purdue suffered a disappointing first-round exit in the NCAA Tournament, the Boilermakers went 29-6 and won the Big Ten. Edey was awarded Big Ten Player of the Year, a consensus first-team All-American and Sporting News National Player of the Year.

The focus has now shifted to what will be next for Edey and if his college career is over. The big man is eligible to return to school and recently shot down rumors of him being interested in transferring. However, the NBA door is also not closed.

What is next for Zach Edey?

While he has had wild success at the collegiate level, there are some concerns with how Edey's game will translate to the NBA level. He has taken some massive strides forward in his development but many remain skeptical of his ability to defend in space and move on the perimeter.

The Purdue standout is projected to be a borderline second-round pick, but there are no guarantees he will hear his name called on draft day. It should also be noted that there are no guarantees on contracts for second-rounders so Edey could end up in the G League or overseas if things do not work out.

Edey has been vague in his statement about his future and likely has not completely decided himself.

When asked immediately following Purdue's first-round NCAA Tournament exit, Edey said, according to The Indianapolis Star:

"I want to come back and I want to go to war with them (Purdue teammates), but at the end of the day, I have to make the decision for me. I have no idea how long my career is going to last.”

Given the emergence of NIL deals and the ability for college athletes to make money, it should not be ruled out that he returns to school for his senior year. Edey is considered the 19th-ranked valued college athlete based on NIL rank per On3.

At 20 years old and having taken some significant strides forward this season, there is reason for optimism regarding Edey's future. If he can continue improving on his mobility and find more balance in his game, his draft stock could climb.

With many other notable college players already making their decisions to make the NBA leap and Edey staying silent, signs seem to be pointing towards him remaining in college, but there will likely be more clear details in the near future.