WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Former Purdue Basketball Center Zach Edey has been selected by the Memphis Grizzlies as the ninth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft Wednesday night.
Standing at 7'5", Edey was drafted after leading the Purdue Boilermakers with 25.2 pointers per game over his last two seasons and posting an average of 12.2 rebounds per game. Edey shone for the Boilermakers where he was named the two-time National Player of the Year and the Naismith College Player of the Year in consecutive seasons.
Last year, Edey led Purdue to their first NCAA Final Four since 1980 and first title game appearance since 1969 last April.
Edey's selection follows an impressive showing at the NBA Scouting Combine where he illustrated his scoring abilities near the basket and rebounding capabilities. He also impressed from downtown, scoring 14 out of 25 3-pointers.
The Grizzlies finished last year with an inconsistent 27-55 record after injuries to key players Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Smart and will be hoping to make a run in the Western Conference playoffs.