Boilermakers Country

WATCH: NBA Legend Shaquille O'Neal Congratulates Purdue's Zach Edey After Final Four Win

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal waited for Zach Edey following Purdue's win over North Carolina State in the Final Four. The former basketball star wanted to show respect to The Boiler big man after a 20-points, 12-rebounds performance.

Dustin Schutte

Purdue center Zach Edey (15) warms up before their Final Four semifinal game against North Carolina
Purdue center Zach Edey (15) warms up before their Final Four semifinal game against North Carolina / Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY

After leading Purdue to a 63-50 win over North Carolina State in the Final Four on Saturday, Zach Edey got to meet an NBA legend. Shaquille O'Neal, one of the best players to ever suit up in the league, greeted the Boilermaker big man as he walked off the floor at State Farm Stadium.

Edey finished Saturday's contest with 20 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, leading Purdue to its first national championship appearance since 1969. As he entered the tunnel, O'Neal was waiting to congratulate the 7-foot-4 center.

Although the meeting was brief, it created a really cool moment at the Final Four. You can hear Edey say, "It's nice to finally meet you. It's an honor."

Edey has been dominant in this year's NCAA Tournament. In total, he's piled up 140 points and 77 rebounds for the Boilermakers during the March Madness run.

Purdue made its first Final Four appearance since 1980 on Saturday night and made the most of the opportunity. Although turnovers were a problem for the Boilermakers throughout the game, the interior presence of Edey proved to be too much for North Carolina State.

The Boilermakers also got 14 points from Lance Jones and 11 from Fletcher Loyer in the win.

But the story of the game, once again, was Edey. And it was really cool to see Shaq show the big man from Purdue some serious respect after the game.

Related Stories on Purdue basketball

  • PURDUE FANS GO CRAZY: Purdue fans attending the watch party at Mackey Arena on Saturday night went crazy as the final buzzer sounded. For the first time since 1969, the Boilermakers are playin in the national championship. CLICK HERE
  • WHAT MATT PAINTER SAID: Here's everything Purdue coach Matt Painter said during his Final Four media availability on Thursday from Phoenix. CLICK HERE
  • PURDUE VS. N.C. STATE POINT SPREAD: Purdue may be in its first Final Four since 1980, but the Boilermakers are a huge betting favorite over N.C. State in Saturday's game. CLICK HERE
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Dustin Schutte

DUSTIN SCHUTTE