Is Zach Edey going to the NBA? Purdue star tipped to shake things up

Zach Edey is one of the best players in college basketball. Now in his third year, the 7-foot-4 big man is turning some heads at the next level.

With each passing season at Purdue, Zach Edey has continued to get better. Through 21 games this season, he is averaging 22.1 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. Given his continued growth, he might have a shot at making the jump to the pros in the 2023 NBA draft.

Right now, Edey is projected to be a second-round pick. This is in large part due to his age (20). Typically, teams will utilize their first-round picks on younger prospects with more potential. Seeing that he decided to stick around in college for two extra years, the Purdue big man might see his stock fall on draft night.

Even though he is older, teams might still come calling for Edey. While it looked like the big man was fading out, he made a strong resurgence. With players like Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic being two of the top talents, teams need size and defense in the frontcourt to combat them.

Zach Edey drawing comparisons to current rookie standout

Every year, analysts draw comparisons between great players and incoming draft prospects. Following his impressive campaign this season, Edey is drawing similarities to a standout rookie in the NBA this season.

One of the many new faces the Utah Jazz acquired this season was Walker Kessler. After being sent to the Minnesota Timberwolves on draft night, Kessler was later sent to Utah in the megadeal for Rudy Gobert.

Kessler, who was a first-round pick at age 21, has turned some heads as a rookie. He is averaging 7.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. Seeing how he has managed to impress this season, some think Zach Edey might be able to do the same.

While the modern game has trended away from size at times, it can still be an asset. There are plenty of big men who have had good careers in the league by playing a simple role at the center position.

Standing at 7-foot-4 with a 7-foot-7 wingspan, Edey has the attributes to be a defensive force in the NBA. He won't shoot up to the top of draft boards, but he could go sooner than expected. If he continues his stellar two-way play, he might end up being a late first-round pick similar to Kessler last season.