Former Purdue big man Zach Edey, the two-time national college player of the year and a generally dominant 7-foot-4 center, should definitely not make a switch to baseball going forward. His attempt at a first pitch at a recent Chicago Cubs game is ample evidence to make the case.
Edey, sporting a Cubs jersey and hat, stood atop the mound at Wrigley field, his head now about eight feet above the ground, cocked back his right arm, and fired the ball toward home. Except he only managed to get in the general vicinity.
It’s not the worst celebrity or athlete first pitch — rapper and recording artist 50 Cent had a worse throw, among others — but Edey’s dirtball through the left-handed batters box did not inspire any confidence in a budding baseball career for the Canadian center.
And for kicks, look at how small the baseball looks in Edey’s hand.
The former Boilermaker is expected to be selected at some point in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft.
Edey did have the opportunity for another year of college, but opted to finally turn pro this summer
Edey spoke to ESPN regarding his decision.
“I felt like it was time,” Edey said. “I showed that I’m a physical presence on offense this season,” Edey said. “I also showed I can play defense. I can guard in space, even defend guards.”
Not only that, Edey plans on diversifying his game once he gets to the pros.
“What wins in college and the NBA are totally different,” Edey said. “There are a lot of things I can do that people haven’t seen yet. I was focusing on impacting winning at Purdue, and simplifying my game. Every year I’ve taken steps forward and there’s no reason I can’t keep getting better.”
Edey just led Purdue to the national championship game in March, a loss to UConn. The player of the year this season, Edey has moved into lottery territory, according to Givony.
In 39 games this past season, Edey averaged 25.2 points per game, 12.2 rebounds, two assists, shot 62.3% from the floor and 50% from three, when he took shots.
As a member of the Class of 2020, Edey was a four-star recruit out of Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 20 overall prospect in the state, the No. 36 center in the class and the No. 255 overall prospect in the class.
The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 26th and the second round will be the following day. As far as the NBA Draft Lottery is concerned, that’ll be held Saturday, May 12th at 3:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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