Sometimes it’s a miss like ‘Latvian Lasagne.’ Sometimes it’s an iconic hit like The Flash. But when Shaquille O’Neal knights you with a new name, it’s not so bad to go along with it. Or so Zach Edey says. Purdue’s phenom and potential NBA star impressed the legendary big man to the point Shaq slapped a nickname on him, ‘Zachille O’Neal.’ Not one of his best creative moments but it’s a big deal when he sees himself in a young player.

When Zachille, aka Edey himself was asked what he thought about it, he felt like he’s been marked for greatness thanks to Shaq. “Like, respect to him. He came before me. He’s done everything that I want to do. If he calls me Zachille, then I mean I’ll take it. I’m Zachille then.”

Purdue is in the Final Four, a big part in thanks to Edey. He’s giving LSU superstar Shaquille O’Neal vibes posting stats like the most dominant center himself. The Boilermakers center is the first player since the Tigers icon in the 1991 and 1992 tournaments to finish at least three consecutive March Madness games with 20 points and three blocked shots.

The news made it to the original record-holder himself who proclaimed on social media, “@zacg_edey way to dominate, I’m changing your name to Zachille O’Neal.”

To put it in perspective how much it means to have Shaq’s acknowledgement, Edey’s talent is underrated because he’s taller than O’Neal and even Victor Wembanyama. Analysts have been dismissive of his stats since last year even earning the ire of his head coach. The All-American has tuned out most of the criticism but he’s listened and appreciated Shaq’s comments.

Shaq’s BFF stands up for ‘Zachille O’Neal’

Edey is letting his numbers do the talking. He kickstarted Purdue’s March Madness streak with 30 points, 21 rebounds, and 3 blocks. In the most Big Aristotle manner, he’s the opponents’ menace making it difficult to call fouls. O’Neal is already loving what he’s doing. And his bestie does too.

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Charles Barkley loves Shaq 2.0 but hates the criticism directed at him. “I think Zach Edey gets a bad rap. I’ve heard people criticizing him…He ain’t the reason they’re losing. He’s the reason they’re the No. 1 seed,” he said on TNT while Shaq was not around.

The pressure is also now on Edey to prove all his critics wrong and prove Shaq and Chuck right. He might be Purdue’s biggest shot at redemption. We know at least his hero will be watching closely.

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