Jon Rothstein lauds Zach Edey after last-minute heroics against Michigan State: “Zach Edey is the Yao Ming of college basketball”

Zach Edey and the Purdue Boilermakers have been sensational throughout the 2022-23 season. On Monday, Purdue looked to continue their impressive play on the road against the Michigan State Spartans.

Coming into the game, Purdue found themselves with an impressive 16-1 record. With conference play getting underway, the Boilermakers knew that plenty of challenges would be on the horizon. That's just what the team experienced against the Spartans.

After leading at halftime by just two points, the Boilermakers found themselves in a close affair throughout the second half, trailing by one point with less than seven seconds remaining. That's when Edey went to work in the post before scoring the go-ahead basket with two seconds remaining.

It was the game-winning score, as Purdue went on to win by a final score of 64-63. Edey finished the game with an eye-opening 32 points and 17 rebounds.

The performance got the attention of college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein, who took to social media to praise Edey. Rothstein called Edey the "Yao Ming of college basketball," saying he's running away with National Player of the Year.

"Zach Edey is the Yao Ming of college basketball. And running away with National Player of the Year."

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Zach Edey and Purdue continue to stay hot

Purdue big man Zach Edey against Michigan State

It was another impressive performance for Purdue's junior center. After a solid start to the 2022-23 season, Edey continues to heat up in National Player of the Year conversations.

Edey made noise during his sophomore season with the Purdue Boilermakers. Listed at 7'4", 285 pounds, Edey has the size and strength to overpower his opponents with relative ease. But the talented big man also possesses a fantastic combination of footwork and touch around the basket.

Purdue continues to be one of the hottest teams in college basketball. After Monday's win against Michigan State, the Boilermakers find themselves at 17-1 on the year.

Coming into Monday's game, Edey had consistently been a productive force for the Boilermakers. In his previous six games, he was averaging 20.0 points, 12.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 66.2% from the field.