Zach Edey

Early Life and Amateur Career

Zachry Cheyne Edey was born in Toronto, Ontario, on May 14, 2002, to Julia and Glen Edey. His mother, who stands 6 feet 3 inches tall, was born in Toronto to Chinese immigrants and played basketball in her youth. Growing up in Toronto, Edey initially focused on ice hockey and baseball, following in the footsteps of his father who also played baseball. It was not until his grade 10 year at Leaside High School that he began playing organized basketball, joining the Northern Kings Amateur Athletic Union program. Seeking to develop his late-blooming skills, Edey moved to the United States to attend the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He spent his first year on the academy's second-tier team, training daily under former NBA player and IMG coach Daniel Santiago. His rapid improvement earned him a promotion to the school's national team the following year. Rated as a consensus three-star recruit, Edey reclassified to the 2020 high school class and committed to play college basketball for Purdue University, choosing the Boilermakers over offers from programs including Baylor and Santa Clara.

Collegiate Dominance at Purdue

Edey arrived at Purdue University listed at 7 feet 4 inches, instantly becoming the tallest player in Big Ten Conference history. His freshman season in 2020-21 saw him come off the bench behind fellow centre Trevion Williams, averaging 8.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in just 14 minutes per game, which earned him a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team. He moved into a starting role for his sophomore year, significantly increasing his production to averages of 14.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, leading to a second-team All-Big Ten selection. His junior season in 2022-23 marked his ascent to national prominence, as he was named Big Ten Player of the Year and the consensus National Player of the Year. That season, he also tied the school record by winning Big Ten Player of the Week six times and was later named the Big Ten Athlete of the Year across all men's sports. Opting to return for his senior season rather than enter the 2023 NBA draft, Edey authored one of the most decorated careers in modern college basketball history. He repeated as both Big Ten Player of the Year and National Player of the Year in 2024, becoming the first player to win back-to-back Naismith Awards since Ralph Sampson in 1982 and 1983. During his final season, he cemented his place in the Purdue and Big Ten record books.

Zach Edey's senior year at Purdue was defined by a series of historic milestones and record-breaking performances. On January 5, 2024, he became the second player in Purdue history to reach 1,000 career rebounds. He then scored his 2,000th collegiate point on January 28, 2024, becoming just the sixth player in Big Ten history with 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. Edey set multiple school records, including the career marks for points and rebounds, surpassing legends like Rick Mount and Joe Barry Carroll. He also tied and then broke the Big Ten record for most Player of the Week awards, eventually winning it a record 12 times.

• Becoming the sixth player in Big Ten history to reach 2,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds (January 28, 2024).
• Setting the Purdue career records for both points (2,516) and rebounds (1,321).
• Recording a school-record 55th career double-double on February 4, 2024.
• Winning Big Ten Player of the Week a record 12 times over his career.
• Leading Purdue to the NCAA Division I championship game in 2024.

Zach Edey finished his four-year college career as a two-time consensus first-team All-American and a two-time Big Ten men's athlete of the year, sharing the latter honour with Iowa's Caitlin Clark both times. He was named the Naismith College Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, becoming the first to win it back-to-back since Ralph Sampson. On February 26, 2024, Edey announced he would not use his extra year of COVID-19 eligibility and would instead declare for the NBA draft. This decision concluded a legendary Purdue career where he led the team to the NCAA championship game in his final season.

NBA Career with the Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies selected Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, and he signed his rookie contract on July 6, 2024. He made his professional debut on October 23, 2024, recording five points and five rebounds in a win over the Utah Jazz, though he fouled out in just 15 minutes of play. His rookie season was one of consistent production and notable milestones, establishing him as a key player for the franchise. He appeared in 66 games, starting 55, and led all rookies in field goal percentage at 58 percent and rebounds per game at 8.3. His performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team and a fifth-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting. The Grizzlies demonstrated their confidence in his future by picking up his 2026-27 rookie scale option prior to the 2026-27 season, a move that followed his impressive first-year contributions.

His second professional season in 2025-26 was abbreviated by injury, but he showed significant growth in his limited appearances. He made 11 starts, averaging 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game before a left ankle injury required season-ending surgery on March 24, 2026. Prior to the injury, he posted a career-high 32 points along with 17 rebounds and five blocks in a November 30, 2025, victory over the Sacramento Kings, demonstrating his potential for dominant performances. The following table outlines Edey's regular season statistics through the 2025-26 NBA season:

Entering the 2026-27 season, Edey was focused on a healthy return and proving the Grizzlies' competitiveness in a rebuilt Western Conference. The team had undergone significant changes, trading stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., and building around a young core including Edey and 2026 draft pick Cameron Boozer. During the 2026 media day, Edey expressed a determined mindset, stating the team's desire to show their doubters they were wrong and to win games. His health was viewed as crucial to the team's hopes for a more successful campaign after winning only 25 games the previous season, and his development is central to the franchise's long-term plans.

International Career with Team Canada

Zach Edey has been a prominent figure for Canada Basketball across multiple age levels. His international debut came at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup in Latvia, where he was a dominant force. He led the entire tournament in rebounding with 14.1 per game while also averaging 15.1 points and 2.3 blocks, powering Canada to a bronze medal and earning a spot on the all-tournament team. On May 24, 2022, he agreed to a three-year commitment to the Canadian senior men's national team. This commitment led to his selection for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where he was the only active college player on the roster. His presence helped Canada achieve a historic result, as the team qualified for the quarter-finals, securing a berth in the 2024 Summer Olympics, Canada's first Olympic appearance in men's basketball since 2000. Canada went on to defeat the United States in the third-place game to win the bronze medal, marking the country's first-ever medal at the FIBA World Cup and its first medal at a major global tournament since the 1936 Summer Olympics. Although he was initially set to compete for a spot on the 2024 Olympic team, Edey withdrew from consideration on June 30, 2024, to participate in the NBA Summer League with the Memphis Grizzlies, prioritizing his early professional development.

Playing Style and Physical Profile

Standing 7 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 299 pounds, Zach Edey possesses a rare physical profile that defines his game. His immense size and strength make him an immovable force in the post, both offensively and defensively. On offence, he is a highly efficient scorer around the basket, utilizing a soft touch and fundamental footwork to convert opportunities in the paint. His rebounding is a major strength, fueled by his size, positioning, and relentless effort, particularly on the offensive glass where he averaged 3.5 offensive rebounds per game as a rookie. Defensively, he is a formidable rim protector, using his length and timing to contest and block shots without frequently leaving his feet. While his game is traditionally centred in the post, Edey has worked to improve his agility and conditioning to better suit the pace of the modern NBA. Reports from the 2026 off-season highlighted dedicated agility work, resulting in improved lateral movement and vertical leap. His career path reflects a continuous adaptation, aiming to blend his overwhelming interior dominance with the mobility required to defend in space and run the floor effectively for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Injuries and Recovery

Injuries, particularly to his left ankle, have been a significant challenge in Zach Edey's early professional career. On June 10, 2025, he underwent surgery to address excessive ligamentous laxity in his left ankle, with an initial recovery timetable set at four months. This issue resurfaced during the 2025-26 season, ultimately leading to a second season-ending surgery on March 24, 2026, which ruled him out for the remainder of that campaign. These consecutive ankle procedures limited him to just 11 games in his second NBA season, a sharp contrast to the 66 games he played as a rookie. The Memphis Grizzlies' performance and planning have been directly impacted by his health, as his presence as a rebounding and defensive anchor is considered crucial to the team's success. His recovery and durability were focal points entering the 2026-27 season, with the team and fans hopeful that a full recovery would allow him to build on the promising per-game averages he posted before his injury. The Grizzlies' decision to pick up his contract option for 2026-27 signalled their long-term belief in his ability to overcome these physical setbacks and fulfil his potential as a central part of their roster moving forward.

Questions about Zach Edey

What college did Zach Edey play for and what awards did he win?

Zach Edey played college basketball for the Purdue Boilermakers. His major awards include being a two-time consensus National Player of the Year and a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year. He won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in both 2023 and 2024. Edey was also a two-time consensus first-team All-American and a two-time Big Ten men's athlete of the year.

What has Zach Edey accomplished with the Canadian national team?

Edey has achieved significant success with Team Canada. He led the under-19 team to a bronze medal at the 2021 FIBA World Cup, where he was named to the all-tournament team. As a member of the senior men's team, he helped Canada win a historic bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the country's first-ever World Cup medal and first at a major global tournament since 1936. This performance also secured Canada a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

What are Zach Edey's main NBA rookie accomplishments?

In his NBA rookie season, Zach Edey was named to the All-Rookie First Team. He led all rookies in field goal percentage and rebounds per game. Edey set a franchise rookie record for the Memphis Grizzlies by grabbing 21 rebounds in a game on April 5, 2025. He also became the first rookie to lead the Grizzlies in total rebounds since Marc Gasol in the 2008-09 season.

Where is Zach Edey from in Canada?

Zach Edey is from Toronto, Ontario. He was born there on May 14, 2002, and grew up in the city. He attended Leaside High School in Toronto, where as a grade 10 student he began playing organized basketball with the Northern Kings Amateur Athletic Union program. Before moving to the United States to attend IMG Academy in Florida, his early athletic development occurred entirely within Toronto. His mother, Julia, was also born in Toronto to Chinese immigrants.

When was Zach Edey drafted into the NBA and by which team?

Zach Edey was drafted into the NBA by the Memphis Grizzlies on June 26, 2024. He was selected with the ninth overall pick in the first round of that year's draft. Following the draft, he officially signed his rookie contract with the Grizzlies on July 6, 2024. This marked the beginning of his professional career after a decorated college stint at Purdue University, where he was a two time consensus National Player of the Year.

What is the status of Zach Edey's contract with the Memphis Grizzlies?

The Memphis Grizzlies have picked up the 2026-27 rookie scale option on Zach Edey's contract. This team decision, announced prior to the 2026-27 season, exercises their right to retain him for that additional year. Edey was originally the ninth overall pick in the 2024 draft, and this option is a standard part of rookie scale contracts. Securing this option indicates the team's intention to keep him as part of their core moving forward.

Sources and further reading

• Zach Edey (Wikipedia)
• Grizzlies pick up 2026-27 rookie scale option on Canadian ... (tsn.ca)
• Grizzlies news: Zach Edey sends stern message on ... (sports.yahoo.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-28.