All eyes are on 7-foot-four talent Zach Edey, whose chances of selection in this year’s NBA draft have been the topic of speculation amid a national title run. As the Purdue Boilermakers stand inches away from winning their first-ever NCAA championship, the towering talent’s pro basketball scene is under tight surveillance. Further, the mentorship from NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, who has shown a deep interest in Edey’s growth, enriches his story.

During this crucial time, Edey’s NBA dreams have been clouded by a floating rumor that his poor score on his final exams could keep him from getting picked in the draft. Who began the rumor, and what is the golden boy of Purdue majoring in?

Get to know Zach Edey’s academic background

Born to Chinese immigrants in Toronto, 21-year-old Edey is one of the main reasons Purdue earned a No. 1 seed for the second straight season. Purdue is hoping for greater success compared to last year when the team was eliminated by a No. 16 seed after making it to the final four for the first time since 1980! In addition to his noteworthy athleticism, Zach Edey’s degree at Purdue University is impressive. Edey is majoring in organizational leadership at the Krannert School of Management.

The striking claim about Edey’s NBA drop was shared on X by NBA Centel, a website well-known for its clever analysis of the basketball world. They bluntly declared that Edey had been disqualified from the draft due to an alleged academic error. But a further fact check found NBA Centel to be a bastion of parody, leaning more toward humor than accurate reporting. Edey’s academic success is not impeding his journey to the NBA, but why? The rules governing eligibility make it apparent that he needs to just complete his freshman year successfully to be considered for the draft.

The 300-pound senior center from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, stands 7 feet, 4 inches tall. While very few know that he played baseball and hockey as a child, he didn’t take up basketball until his sophomore year in high school. He attended Bradenton, Florida’s IMG Academy, in his senior year. Every season since Edey joined Purdue in 2020, the Boilermakers have advanced to the NCAA Tournament; their best result so far is reaching the final four this year after a Sweet 16 place in 2022. Along the way, Purdue also won 2 Big Ten regular-season championships and one Big Ten tournament championship.

What honors will the Purdue star be walking away with?

Edey ranked first in various statistical categories in Division I after yet another fantastic season. His statistics for this season are as follows: he leads Division I with 24.4 points per game, is third with 11.7 rebounds per game, and leads the division with 270 field goals.

Read more: Is Zach Edey Asian? Explore 22 Years Old Star’s Ethnicity and Family History

In his first season, he was selected to the Big Ten all-freshman team, and in his second, he was named to the second team. The previous season, Edey won numerous awards: he was awarded the national Player of the Year, the 2023 Big Ten Player of the Year, the Big Ten all-defense team, the Big Ten tournament Most Valuable Player, and a consensus All-American. Edey is the front-runner for national player of the year and was voted the Big Ten Player of the Year this season. He was also named to the Big Ten all-defense team. On Edey’s senior night, Purdue retired his jersey in recognition of all of his achievements.

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