Zach Edey is now part of the Memphis Grizzlies. His 7-foot-4 frame has already drawn comparisons with Shaquille O'Neal and will add another layer of excitement for the team's fans as they await superstar Ja Morant's return to the court.
The franchise picked up the Purdue Boilermaker star as the ninth overall in the 2024 NBA draft on Wednesday, sparking a flurry of reactions from the basketball world. One of them was renowned broadcaster Dick Vitale, who talked highly about Edey's impact with the Grizzlies alongside congratulating coach Gregg Popovich's San Antonio Spurs on landing UConn standout Stephon Castle.
"Can’t teach 7’4 - @memgrizz will get quality minutes in the post from 2 time national player of the year ZACH EDEY of @BoilerBall. The @spurs will get a multi talented player in STEPHON CASTLE of @UConnMBB - Coach Popovich will love his many talents - impact player instantly," Vitale wrote on X Wednesday.
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Dick Vitale is one of the topmost analysts in the basketball landscape, known for his enthusiasm, knowledge, and preparedness. He has also left a mark in the sportscasting world, where he announced ESPN’s first-ever major NCAA game and birthed many renowned phrases within the industry.
Zach Edey is one of the most versatile and most promising players in the 2024 draft that saw big men dominate the top spots. He is the only player to win the National Player of the Year award for consecutive years in the last 35 years. In 2023-24, he led Purdue to its first title game since 1969 and its first Final Four appearance since 1980.
Zach Edey is a double-double machine who averaged 25.2 points and 12.2 rebounds last season with the Boilermakers. While his build erases a lot of turmoil other big men usually face near the basket, Edey manages to hold his ground even in the toughest of situations. One instance was his 40-point, 16-rebound performance during the regional final game against Tennessee.
Ja Morant has a hilarious reaction to Grizzlies' selection of Zach Edey
Within minutes of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announcing the Memphis Grizzlies' ninth pick, Ja Morant took to his Instagram stories and posted a hilarious clip as his reaction to Zach Edey's selection.
The athletic highflier posted a short snippet from "Rush Hour 3" to signify Edey's towering frame.
Edey enters the league as the NBA's third-tallest player tied with Houston Rockets center Boban Marjanovic and Spurs star Victor Wembanyama.
Moreover, just like other soaring figures, Edey will force the offense to regularly alter its game while having the opportunity to absorb most of the defense's attention.
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