While most eyes are behind Bronny James for the upcoming draft birthday boy Zach Edey showcased his talents at the NBA DraftCombine ahead of the upcoming draft on June 26 and 27. The first round is set for June 26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with the second round following on June 27 at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in New York.

The Canadian 7-foot-4-inch (2.24m) player, who turns 22 today, is projected to be a first-round pick but likely after the first 10 picks. He made a name for himself during the last March Madness tournament with Purdue University, leading them to the final this year, though they fell short against two-time champions UCONN. Edey was twice named College Basketball Player of the Year.

In today’s NBA, long-range shooting is a crucial skill regardless of position, and Zach Edey’s great performance at the combine underscored this point, hitting 14 out of 25 three-point attempts. Standing at 7 feet 4 inches and weighing 300 pounds, his combination of size, agility, and defensive skills is sure to capture the attention of numerous NBA coaches and managers. Edey’s defensive abilities, stemming from his immense stature, are particularly notable, enabling him to make basic reads in offense when facing double teams, facilitating passes to three-point shooters, and showcasing a reliable mid-range shot.

During his four years with the Boilermakers, Edey played 138 games, averaging 32 minutes, 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. He currently holds records for rebounds with 1,178, double-doubles with 55, and is just the sixth player in Big Ten Conference history to achieve 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. All signs point to Edey becoming a significant player in the NBA.