Gonzaga vs. Purdue: Bulldogs must push the pace to 'neutralize' Zach Edey’s impact as a defender

Limiting Zach Edey's impact as a shot-blocker will be key for the Bulldogs in Sweet 16 matchup

Author:
Cole Forsman
Publish date:
Mar 27, 2024

In this story:

Gonzaga

Purdue

Zach Edey

Gonzaga Bulldogs

NCAA Tournament

Gonzaga coach Mark Few had good reason to describe Purdue’s Zach Edey as an “enigma.”

The 7-foot-4 All-American has put up historical numbers throughout what will be his second-consecutive National Player of the Year campaign. Edey averaged 24.5 points, 12.1 rebounds and 3.0 blocks while shooting 62.3% from the field. Through two games in the NCAA Tournament, he’s done things no one has seen since Shaquille O’Neal’s days at LSU. Few teams have been able to hang with Edey in the post, and it doesn’t help that his team shoots 40.9% from the 3-point range.

For all that he does offensively, his uncanny ability to protect the rim and deter opponents from even thinking about going into the paint is just as important to Purdue’s efforts on the defensive end of the floor. His length played a big factor in the first matchup with the Zags in the Maui invitational, as they attempted a season-high 32 3-pointers and were outscored in the paint 44-30 in the 73-63 defeat.

Former Gonzaga All-American Dan Dickau and Gonzaga Nation reporter Cole Forsman broke down how the Bulldogs will have to push the pace and force Edey to defend on the perimeter if they’re to have a chance at upsetting the 1-seed Boilermakers, and much more, on a new Gonzaga Nation episode.