NBA Draft Roundup: Zach Edey Leads Top Performances Saturday
With the 2024 NBA Draft still wide open, each and every game could be vital to a prospect’s stock. And Saturday, several likely saw a boost with strong outings.
Here were some of the top performances from Saturday’s early college basketball games:
Zach Edey, Purdue
Edey’s been a dominant collegiate player for years now, but Saturday’s contest stood in a tier of its own.
The 7-footer posted 30 points, 20 rebounds and three blocks, showcasing his pure dominance in the paint on both ends.
He hit 10 of his 12 attempted field goals, and even finished 10-for-14 from the free throw line, a solid mark for his archetype.
There might not be much more Edey can do to increase his stock, but he may be locked for the first round already.
No. 22 Creighton Bluejays Survive
Creighton continues to boast multiple 2024 draftees this season in Ryan Kalkbrenner, Baylor Scheierman and Trey Alexander.
Kalkbrenner had the most complete day, posted 18 points, nine rebounds and four blocks while shooting over 50% from the floor. Scheierman wasn’t necessarily efficient, but still managed 17 points and 12 rebounds. Alexander had a down day, but still stuffed the stat sheet, scoring eight points, dishing five assists and grabbing four boards.
All in all, the trio's production amounted to just a one-point win over St. Johns.
Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
Knecht figures to be a fringe first to second rounder in the upcoming draft, but certainly made his case to be a riser on Saturday.
It was one of the better games in his collegiate career: 36 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal and block apiece. Overall, he shot 12-for-12 from the floor, five-for-eight from beyond the arc and seven-for-nine from the line.
And every bit of it was needed, too, as No. 5 Tennessee just skated by unranked Georgia.
Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.