Former Boilermaker, BTN analyst Rapheal Davis Calls Zach Edey 'Best Player' in Purdue History
After Monday night's loss to UConn in the national championship, Purdue star was asked about his legacy within the program. The 7-foot-4 center declined to comment on it, but former Boilermaker and current Big Ten Network analyst Rapheal Davis had no problem speaking on it.
Davis believes that Edey — a two-time National Player of the Year and All-American — is the greatest player ever to suit up at Purdue. For many years, that designation has belong to Glenn Robinson.
But because of his dominance on the court and leading the Boilers to a Final Four for the first time since 1980, Davis believes Edey has passed Robinson for that distinction.
"You hear Zach Edey in the postgame saying, 'I'm not gonna say what my legacy will be, I'll let Purdue fans decide that. I'll let the media decide that,'" Davis said. "Zach, I'm a Purdue fan. I'm in the media. I'm a former player. You are the best player to ever put on that Purdue jersey.
"That elite game, the 40 (points) and 16 (rebounds) against Tennessee, that separated (Glenn) Big Dog (Robinson) and Zach Edey. I think what Zach has done — not only on the floor, but in the locker room — for years to come, Purdue fans will be grateful. ... Zach Edey, one of the better players to come through this league, the best player to play at the university."
Edey leaves West Lafayette as Purdue's all-time leading scorer (2,516) and rebounder (1,321), breaking records set by Rick Mount (scoring) and Joe Barry Carroll (rebounding). He also became the first player to win the Naismith National Player of the Year award in consecutive seasons since Virginia's Ralph Sampson (1981-83).
For his career, Edey averaged 18.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.3 assists per game.
The stats and national awards speak volumes for Edey's success. But what sets him apart from Robinson was leading Purdue to the national championship game.
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- WHAT ZACH EDEY, BRADEN SMITH SAID: Zach Edey scored 37 points and Braden Smith added 12, but it wasn't enough to get a victory over UConn. Here's what the Purdue stars said following their 75-60 loss to the Huskies on Monday night. CLICK HERE