The Curious Case for Zach Edey and the Purdue Boilermakers
Zach Edey and the Purdue Boilermakers are the team to watch leading up to March Madness. With the NCAAM College Basketball season halfway done, there have been several teams atop the Division 1 standings. Teams like the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Houston Cougars and the Tennessee Volunteers come to mind when we think about the top teams in the NCAAM ranks. The one team that has been able to stay atop the NCAAM ranks are the Purdue Boilermakers.
Dominant Boilermakers
The Purdue Boilermakers have been the most consistent and dominant team this season. They possess a current overall record of 21-1 (their only loss was on January 2nd against Rutgers). Head coach Matt Painter and center Zach Edey, have had the Boilermakers locked in all season beating their opponents by an average of 13.3 PPG. They have also led all teams in per game rebounding margins, at 11 per game. Their ability to control the pace of game all season long can be attributed to their star Center, Zach Edey.
The Emergence of Zach Edey
Zach Edey’s amazing play has been the catalyst for the Boilermakers this season as he tallied a 38 PT, 13 REB double-double yesterday afternoon against the Michigan State Spartans. He has elevated his game to new heights this season. The Toronto, Ontario product is averaging career highs in points (21.4 PPG), rebounds (13.0 RPG), blocks (2.3 BPG) and free throw percentage (73.5% FT). Edey has embraced his 7’4, 295 lb. build, and has used it to score effectively against all opposing defenders. His ability to effectively utilize various screen & roll actions has been incredible. He can serve as the ultimate lob threat or roll into solid post seals for dunks. He can also execute over the shoulder jump hooks and floaters. This has made Edey an impossible cover for all defenses across Division 1 basketball this season.
Edey’s D stands tall
Edey’s exploits have also been seen on the defensive end, as his 2.3 blocks per game have been a result of incredible effort and defensive timing at and around the rim. His ability to contest without fouling while has made the Boilermakers one of the best post defenses in the nation. They rank 4th in Total team fouls with 282 on the season.
National Championship on the Horizon?
Purdue’s success begins and ends with Edey, who is currently at listed at -500 odds to win the NCAA Naismith & Wooden POY awards. Purdue has 9 regular season games left on their schedule before the start of the Big Ten Conference tournament. Expect to see the Boilermakers continue their dominant run towards a potential berth in this years National Championship game, with Edey leading the way.
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