The Purdue Boilermakers are looking to make a run in the NCAA Tournament, and one analyst believes that anything less than a Final Four appearance will be a disappointment.
Purdue was one of the most impressive teams in the country throughout the 2022-23 season. With star junior big man Zach Edey manning the middle, the Boilermakers (29-5) were dangerous for any opponent.
The Boilermakers head into March Madness ranked third nationally. They will take on the winner of the matchup between Fairleigh Dickinson and Texas Southern, which will take place Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. ET on truTV.
Purdue has been to two Final Fours in the program's history (1969 and 1980). The team reached the championship game with legendary player Rick Mount but fell 92-72 to the UCLA dynasty, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcincor) as its star.
Appearing on the "Up & Adams" show, NCAA analyst Jon Rothstein praised the Boilermakers but said that Purdue needs a deep run after an impressive season:
"Anything less than a trip to the Final Four will be a major disappointment for Purdue."
Zach Edey and Purdue Boilermakers look to make noise in March Madness
It's been an outstanding season for the Purdue Boilermakers. Now, it's time for the team to see if it has what it takes to make a serious run towards a Final Four appearance.
The Boilermakers will lean on junior center Zach Edey. Listed at 7-foot-4, 295 pounds, Edey has been one of the most dominant players in college basketball this season. He stands out on the court with his physically imposing frame, but Edey's skills cannot be understated.
Edey, named the Sporting News National Player of the Year, the Big Ten Player of the Year, a first-team All-American and the Big Ten tournament MVP, has outstanding touch around the basket and soft hands for a player of his size. After averaging 14.4 points per game last season, Edey isaveraging 22.3 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game this season. He's also shooting an impressive 60.6% from the field and 73.6% from the free-throw line.
Edey will be the focal point on the offense for Purdue. He will draw plenty of attention from opposing defenses, which should make life easier for his teammates. Players such as guards Fletcher Loyer and Braden Smith will be names to watch out for as well.
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