Zach Edey is one of the most dominant college basketball players in recent memory, known for his towering presence on the court. His size and skill have made him a standout player for Purdue University and a potential NBA prospect. But just how tall is Zach Edey, and what does he weigh? In this blog post, we’ll explore his height, weight, playing style, and how his physical attributes contribute to his success.
Zach Edey’s Official Height and Weight
As of the 2023-2024 NCAA basketball season, Zach Edey’s official measurements are:
- Height: 7 feet 4 inches (223.5 cm)
- Weight: 300 pounds (136 kg)
Edey’s massive frame makes him one of the tallest and heaviest players in college basketball. His size gives him a significant advantage in rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring in the paint.
How Zach Edey’s Height and Weight Compare to Other Players
To put Edey’s size into perspective, let’s compare him to some of the tallest players in NBA and college basketball history:
- Yao Ming (7’6”) – One of the tallest NBA players ever, Yao had a similar height but was slightly leaner.
- Shaquille O’Neal (7’1”, 325 lbs) – Shaq was heavier but slightly shorter than Edey.
- Tacko Fall (7’6”) – Another towering center, Fall played in the NBA and overseas.
- Victor Wembanyama (7’4”, 230 lbs) – The 2023 NBA No. 1 pick has a similar height but a leaner build.
Edey’s combination of height and strength makes him nearly unstoppable in the low post, especially in college basketball, where few players can match his physicality.
How Zach Edey’s Size Impacts His Playing Style
Edey’s height and weight play a crucial role in his dominance on the court. Here’s how his physical attributes translate into his game:
1. Dominant Post Scoring
- At 7’4”, Edey can easily shoot over defenders.
- His 300-pound frame allows him to establish deep post position and score with ease.
- He led the NCAA in points per game (22.3 in 2022-23) largely due to his ability to finish near the rim.
2. Elite Rebounding
- His height and wingspan (reportedly around 7’7”) help him grab offensive and defensive rebounds at a high rate.
- He averaged 12.9 rebounds per game in the 2022-23 season, one of the best in the nation.
3. Shot-Blocking Presence
- Edey’s size allows him to alter and block shots without needing to jump excessively.
- He averaged 2.1 blocks per game in 2022-23, making him one of the best rim protectors in college basketball.
4. Free Throw Efficiency
- Despite his size, Edey is a surprisingly good free-throw shooter (73% in 2022-23).
- His ability to draw fouls and convert at the line makes him even more valuable.
Zach Edey’s Physical Development Over the Years
Edey wasn’t always the massive center he is today. Here’s how his body has evolved:
- High School: Edey was around 7 feet tall but much leaner, weighing around 250 lbs.
- Freshman Year at Purdue (2020-21): Listed at 7’4”, 285 lbs, he was still adjusting to his body.
- Sophomore & Junior Years: He added more muscle, reaching 300 lbs, improving his strength and conditioning.
Purdue’s strength and conditioning program has helped Edey maintain his mobility despite his size, allowing him to play heavy minutes without fatigue.
Could Zach Edey’s Size Translate to the NBA?
One of the biggest questions surrounding Edey is whether his height and weight will be an advantage or a limitation in the NBA. Here’s the breakdown:
Advantages for the NBA
- Unmatched Size: Very few NBA centers are as tall and strong as Edey.
- Post Dominance: In an era where traditional big men are rare, Edey could thrive as a back-to-the-basket scorer.
- Rebounding & Defense: His shot-blocking and rebounding would be valuable for any team.
Potential Challenges
- Mobility: NBA teams prefer big men who can switch defensively; Edey may struggle against faster guards.
- Stamina: Playing 30+ minutes per game in the NBA could be demanding at his size.
- Injury Risk: Bigger players often face more wear and tear on their joints.
Despite these concerns, Edey’s skill development (including improved footwork and passing) could make him a solid NBA role player.
How Zach Edey’s Height and Weight Compare to Past Purdue Greats
Purdue has a history of producing elite big men. Here’s how Edey stacks up:
- Joe Barry Carroll (7’0”, 225 lbs) – The No. 1 pick in the 1980 NBA Draft was tall but not as heavy as Edey.
- JaJuan Johnson (6’10”, 220 lbs) – A more mobile big man, Johnson played in the NBA but lacked Edey’s bulk.
- Caleb Swanigan (6’9”, 260 lbs) – A powerful forward, Swanigan was shorter but had a similar physical style.
Edey’s combination of height and weight makes him unique even among Purdue’s legendary big men.
Conclusion: Zach Edey’s Height and Weight Make Him a Unique Force
Zach Edey’s 7’4”, 300-pound frame makes him one of the most physically imposing players in college basketball history. His size allows him to dominate in scoring, rebounding, and defense, making him a two-time National Player of the Year.
While there are questions about how his game will translate to the NBA, there’s no denying that his height and weight give him a rare advantage on the court. Whether he becomes a star at the next level or carves out a niche as a situational big man, Edey’s physical presence will always be his biggest asset.
Final Thoughts
- Zach Edey is 7 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 300 pounds.
- His size makes him nearly unstoppable in college basketball.
- NBA potential depends on his ability to adapt to a faster, more perimeter-oriented game.
