In crafting his ideal big man, Purdue’s Zach Edey made some surprising choices, opting to exclude legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Despite this omission, Edey’s selections reflect a keen understanding of the diverse skill set required to excel in the modern game.
Size: Manute Bol
Basketball IQ: Nikola Jokic
Scoring Ability: Joel Embiid
Post-Skills: Hakeem Olajuwon
Defence: Hakeem Olajuwon
Rebounding: Andre Drummond
For size, Edey turned to the towering Manute Bol, known for his exceptional height and shot-blocking prowess. This choice underscores Edey’s appreciation for the defensive impact that a massive presence in the paint can have on the game.
In terms of basketball IQ, Edey looked to Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets‘ versatile center known for his elite passing and playmaking ability. By selecting Jokic, Edey prioritizes court vision and decision-making, recognizing the importance of a big man who can facilitate the offense and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
For scoring ability, Edey chose Joel Embiid, the dominant Philadelphia 76ers center known for his combination of size, skill, and agility in the post. This selection highlights Edey’s desire for a big man who can command attention in the paint and score efficiently from the inside.
In post-skills and defense, Edey doubled down on Hakeem Olajuwon, widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NBA history. Olajuwon’s footwork, shot-blocking ability, and defensive instincts make him an ideal choice for both offensive and defensive prowess in the post.
Finally, for rebounding, Edey selected Andre Drummond, known for his relentless pursuit of the basketball on the glass. Drummond’s rebounding prowess adds an essential element of dominance on both ends of the floor, securing possessions and creating second-chance scoring opportunities.
Edey’s choices may have raised eyebrows due to the omission of certain iconic figures, but his selections reflect a thoughtful consideration of the specific skills and attributes necessary to thrive as a modern-day big man. With impressive averages of 24.9 points and 12.2 rebounds while shooting 62.5% from the field, Edey has proven himself as a dominant force in college basketball.
Additionally, we here at Fadeaway World have created our own version of the perfect big man, showcasing the various attributes and skills that define excellence at the center position. As Edey and Purdue prepare to face off against UConn in the NCAA title game, his performance serves as a testament to the impact of perseverance, talent, and strategic thinking in the game of basketball.
UConn Head Coach Has High Praise For Zach Edey
UConn head coach Dan Hurley didn’t mince words when discussing Purdue’s Zach Edey, expressing unequivocal confidence in the big man’s NBA potential. On The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Hurley delivered a resounding endorsement of Edey, likening him to past basketball legends and emphasizing his belief in the 21-year-old’s future success.
“If Zach Edey is not like a lottery pick and a tremendous NBA player, then there’s something wrong with the NBA. Then they’re maybe not playing the right game at that level. This guy has been dominant, brings you back to Ralph Sampson, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson type of performances at that spot.”
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Hurley didn’t stop there, expressing confidence in Edey’s ability to elevate his game even further upon entering the NBA. “Special players when they go to that next level, they add new skills quickly,” he remarked, envisioning Edey expanding his range, improving his shooting, passing, and dribbling to meet the demands of elite competition.
The praise from Hurley comes amid Edey’s standout performance in the NCAA tournament, leading Purdue to the championship game and putting them within one win of a national championship.
However, not everyone shares Hurley’s bullish outlook on Edey’s NBA prospects. Some skeptics point to potential limitations in Edey’s game, such as his defensive agility and perimeter shooting, which are crucial skills in today’s NBA. Despite his imposing size and dominant presence in the paint, questions remain about his ability to adapt to the modern style of play and defend against agile guards on switches.
While Hurley’s optimism is shared by some, others caution against overestimating Edey’s NBA potential, likening him to Boban Marjanovic and questioning his ability to secure a prominent role in the league. As opinions on Edey’s future vary widely, his performance in the NCAA tournament has undoubtedly raised his profile and sparked debate among basketball enthusiasts and NBA scouts alike.
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