Purdue Boilermakers big man Zach Edey is arguably the most dominant force in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. He has been effectively using his size and skills to be an unstoppable weapon for the No. 1 Boilermakers, who defeated the No. 2 Tennessee Volunteers in the Elite Eight round on the strength of Edey’s monster double-double performance of 40 points and 16 rebounds.
Although it doesn’t seem that Edey is having any trouble unleashing his talent on the court, Purdue Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter believes his star can even be better, especially if foul calls are called fair offensive or defensively involving the talented giant.
Purdue Boilermakers Head Coach Matt Painter Sounds Off on Fouls Ahead of Final Four
Via Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News:
“The No. 1 thing I say to officials when they talk to me: Now, the rules are the same for everybody, right? That kind of stops and gets them to kind of reset their thinking. He can’t get officiated any differently than someone who is 6-8, 210,” Painter said Thursday. “He just can’t. He’s entitled to position.
“I just want them to call it how they’re calling it down there. Don’t call it any differently. When he starts to get those fouls … it’s because they can’t handle his strength and his size. I don’t think we need to apologize for that. That’s always my fight. Call it the same way.
So far in the tournament, Edey is averaging 30.0 points and 16.3 rebounds, while shooting 65.6 percent from the field. He is also swatting away 1.8 blocks per contest in the Big Dance.
Edey and the Boilermakers will have a tough challenge in front of them in the Final Four round, where they will be dealing with the No. 11 NC State Wolfpack, who have an intimidating figure in the middle as well in the form of DJ Burns.
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