Zach Edey enjoys homecoming as Grizzlies top Raptors
The Toronto native scored eight points and grabbed nine rebounds in his second career game at Scotiabank Arena.
TORONTO · Zach Edey contributed eight points and nine rebounds as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Toronto Raptors 118-102 on Monday night. The game marked only the second time the seven-foot-four centre from Toronto has played at Scotiabank Arena, having missed the Grizzlies' visit last season due to injury. Edey said the experience of playing in his hometown remains special. "It's crazy. I don't know how else to put it," said Edey. "It's always a lot of fun to come home and hear the anthem and get into the atmosphere again."
The 24-year-old noted a significant reduction in ticket requests from friends and family compared to his rookie season. "Two years ago, I had about two sections," chuckled Edey after the game. His nine rebounds helped Memphis out-rebound the Raptors 44-34 in the victory. Edey is now averaging 8.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and an assist per game this season.
Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo praised Edey's impact beyond the statistics. "It doesn't always show up on the box score, but his impact is felt every night, whether it's in the possession game, rebounding ball, or defensively protecting the rim, or just engaging the other guys," said Iisalo. The coach explained that Edey's presence creates opportunities for his teammates. "We talk a lot about the offensive performances of our guards, but if you look at the tape, it's also because the opponent is very paranoid about Zach getting open looks." Iisalo added, "His defender tends to, instead of protecting the rim, tends to gravitate back toward Zach, which opens up 10 lanes for our guys." Edey, who grew up in midtown Toronto, was a dominant force in U.S. college basketball before entering the NBA. He averaged 18.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.3 assists over four seasons with the Purdue Boilermakers, though his freshman numbers were lower due to limited minutes.
He twice won the Naismith Award as U.S. college basketball's player of the year. Edey is only the third male player to win back-to-back Naismiths, joining Hall of Famers Ralph Sampson and Bill Walton. Despite his collegiate success and growing role in Memphis, Edey believes he has more to give. He said that he's still not playing to the level he believes he's capable of in the NBA.
With files from The Canadian Press, Sportsnet and CBC News