Purdue star Zach Edey named AP Men's Player of the Year

Purdue center Zach Edey was named the Associated Press Men's Player of the Year on Friday.

"The season ended in disappointment, which really sucks, but it's always nice to win individual accolades," Edey said, via the Associated Press. "It kind of validates your work a little bit."

"The last three years I've played here, I've seen my game grow every year. AP player of the year is a great feeling," he explained. "it just kind of stinks the way the season ended."

Edey averaged 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game for a Boilermakers team that posted a 29-6 overall record (15-5 in conference) during the regular season. Purdue rose as high as No. 1 in AP polling during the campaign's winding course before finishing at No. 3 behind the Houston Cougars and Alabama Crimson Tide.

Playing with real length, Edey's 7-foot-4-inch frame puts him at the same height as Houston Rockets center Boban Marjanović and three inches taller than Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert. His 7-foot-7-inch wingspan puts him on par with Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams and former Kansas star center Udoka Azubuike.

What allowed Edey to excel at the collegiate level may hinder his ability to transition into an NBA filled with quicker centers and forwards, though. His size and strength made him a reliable option in the post, a spot once held for Purdue by now-Capital City Go-Go center Trevion Williams, but he will need to improve his agility to keep up with the NBA's big men.

Should he declare for the NBA Draft, Edey could have appeal as a solid second-round selection for teams in need of additional rebounding or shot-blocking talent. The Purdue stalwart took the No. 40 spot on the Ringer's 2023 NBA Draft board, one slot behind Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr. and two behind Houston guard Marcus Sasser.