Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Zach Edey

Discover the career path of Zach Edey, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Zach Edey is a Canadian professional basketball player currently with the Memphis Grizzlies. Standing at 7'4", he's the tallest active NBA player and the tallest in Big Ten history. He played college basketball for Purdue, leading them to the NCAA championship game. Edey earned consecutive Big Ten Player of the Year and National Player of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024. He was drafted by the Grizzlies in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2020: Commitment to Purdue

In 2020, Zach Edey reclassified to the 2020 class and committed to playing college basketball for Purdue, choosing them over offers from Baylor and Santa Clara.

March 2, 2021: Season-High Performance Against Wisconsin

On March 2, 2021, Zach Edey recorded a season-high 21 points and seven rebounds in a 73–69 win over Wisconsin.

January 3, 2022: Career-High Performance Against Wisconsin

On January 3, 2022, Zach Edey recorded a then-career-high 24 points and 10 rebounds in 20 minutes during a 74–69 loss to Wisconsin.

February 26, 2022: Career-High Points Against Michigan State

On February 26, 2022, Zach Edey scored a career-high 25 points in 22 minutes during a 68–65 loss to Michigan State.

May 24, 2022: Commitment to Canadian National Team

On May 24, 2022, Zach Edey agreed to a three-year commitment to play with the Canadian senior men's national team.

December 17, 2022: Reaching 1,000 Career Points and 100 Career Blocks

On December 17, 2022, Zach Edey reached 1,000 career points and 100 career blocks, becoming the 55th player in Purdue's history to reach 1,000 career points and the 11th to reach 100 career blocks.

May 31, 2023: Opting Out of 2023 NBA Draft

On May 31, 2023, Zach Edey announced his decision to opt out of the 2023 NBA draft and return to Purdue for his senior season.

2023: FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2023, Zach Edey was selected to play in FIBA Basketball World Cup, becoming the only college player in the team.

January 5, 2024: Reaching 1,000 Career Rebounds

On January 5, 2024, Zach Edey became the second player in Purdue history to reach 1000 career rebounds, following Joe Barry Carroll.

January 28, 2024: Surpassing 2,000 Collegiate Career Points

On January 28, 2024, Zach Edey surpassed 2,000 points for his collegiate career, making him just the sixth player in Big Ten Conference history to have 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.

February 18, 2024: Purdue Career Rebounds Record

On February 18, 2024, Zach Edey broke the Purdue career record for rebounds with 1,321, passing Joe Barry Carroll in a game against Ohio State.

February 26, 2024: Declaration for the 2024 NBA Draft

On February 26, 2024, Zach Edey announced that he would not use his extra year of eligibility gained from COVID-19 to return to Purdue for the 2024–25 season and declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. He received a green room invite, but declined, preferring to watch the draft at Purdue instead.

March 16, 2024: Purdue Career Points Record

On March 16, 2024, Zach Edey broke the Purdue career record for points with 2,516, passing Rick Mount.

June 26, 2024: Drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies

On June 26, 2024, Zach Edey was selected with the ninth overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA draft.

June 30, 2024: Withdrawal from Team Canada Consideration

On June 30, 2024, Zach Edey withdrew himself from consideration for a roster spot with Team Canada, opting instead to play for the Grizzlies in NBA Summer League.

2024: NBA Draft and other achievements

In 2024, Zach Edey repeated as Big Ten Player of the Year and consensus National Player of the Year. He was also selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft and is currently the tallest active NBA player.

2024: Qualification for the Summer Olympics

In 2024, the Canadian national team, including Zach Edey, qualified for the Summer Olympics, marking the first Olympics appearance for Team Canada since 2000.