Less than five minutes into Purdue’s 2020-21 season opener against Liberty, Sasha Stefanovic realized Zach Edey was a special player.
“His development from a basketball and body perspective — it’s impressive to see his work ethic at an elite level.” After that breakout season as a junior in which he ledthe Boilermakers to a Big Ten regular season title and Big Ten Tournament championship, Edey was named the Naismith National Player of the Year — Purdue’s first winner of the award since Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson in 1994.
“He doesn't have the bullshit because he didn't get recruited,” Painter said during the season. “That's the best way I can say it."Edey selected by Memphis Grizzliesgeneral manager Zach Kleiman"Zach Edey is a particularly special fit ," Kleiman said. "In getting to know him, we are talking about someone whose competitiveness is through the roof, care factor is through the roof. No ego, just wants to win.
“I think he can be more aggressive in the NBA. A big part of his job will be defending the rim, getting blocks and challenging guys when they come into the paint. That’ll raise his value in joining the Grizzlies.”