If you know of Zach Edey, it might be a surprise that he hasn’t always been a basketball player.  At 7 feet 4 inches, and the tallest player in Big Ten history, you’d think he would be. If you don’t know Edey and are a basketball fan, here’s a reason to get to know him.

Who is Zach Edey?

Zach Edey (born May 14, 2002), is Canadian-born, from Toronto (my hometown). He grew up playing baseball and hockey. Not basketball.

He didn’t play basketball until he tried other sports. I have a personal recollection of him because my brother played competitive baseball in North Toronto for the North Toronto Athletics (A’s). I remember wondering who this huge human was when I went to the tryouts with my brother.

At that time, Edey was only eight years old (like my brother); however, he stood head and shoulders above everyone. Edey had not been on a basketball court; instead, he had been on a baseball field. Even at eight years of age, he stood 5-foot-10 inches tall.

Zach Edey and Baseball – a Scary Thought

Edey played baseball for many years. Playing against him when you’re young in baseball must have been scary. Imagine a 6-footer standing at first base. No errant throw would even phase him. He made almost every play that went at head level. Scoop plays were tougher. 

Edey also was a pitcher. Throwing at tops of 80 mph, he was as formidable an opponent as any young baseball player would have faced. You can’t help but be intimidated by a guy of that stature playing baseball. 

However, Edey noted that hitting became too difficult for him: “My strike zone was way too big. I was striking out all the time. Umpires didn’t know how to call my strike zone. Some had it massive, some had it short. It was a headache.”

A Whole New World: Edey and His Path to Basketball Stardom

Edey logically decided to transition into playing competitive basketball. Starting in 2019, Edey enrolled at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, an elite sports development organization. Immediately many scouts were intrigued by the big man.

Fast forward and Edey’s massive stature and strength made him a tough opponent and a huge upgrade to the team’s starting five. The Purdue Boilermakers truly had acquired an exciting future superstar.

Beginning in his inaugural season (2020-2021), he was named to the Big Ten’s All-Freshman Team, named Big Ten Freshman in his first week, and became a spectacular defensive and offensive powerhouse in what the Boilermakers hadn’t seen in quite some time.

After choosing not to qualify and return to Purdue for another season at the end of the 2023-24 season, the 22-year-old, seven-foot-four player enters eligibility for the 2024 NBA Draft. The future is bright for the tall young man, so he may want to invest in some top-notch shades.

Next: Knicks Trade Cam Reddish, First-Rounder to Blazers for Josh Hart