The 2024 NCAA Championship Game between UConn and Purdue is nearly here, and Purdue star center Zach Edey will have all eyes on him. As the best player on the court and two-time Naismith National Player of the Year, Edey is expected to carry his team above all odds. After all, what’s the point of being the best if you don’t win?
Despite Edey’s undeniable greatness on the college hardwood though, he is not expected to be a high pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Edey is one of only three players to win multiple Naismith Awards — Bill Walton (1972, 73, 74) and Ralph Sampson (1981, 82, 83). Both players are NBA Hall of Famers, so why is Edey being projected to finish outside the top-20 in the draft? It may not make much sense, but NBA scouts seem to be sure that Edey will have a tough time transitioning to the NBA. That said, he is still expected to hear his name called at some point on June 27.
Here are the latest predictions for who the top picks in the 2024 NBA Draft will be and where Zach Edey will fall.
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NBA Draft Predictions:
*Order subject to change with draft lottery
1) Detroit Pistons
NBADraft.net: G/F Zaccharie Risacher, France
Bleacher Report: C Alexandre Sarr, France
CBS Sports: G/F Zaccharie Risacher, France
USA Today: G/F Zaccharie Risacher, France
Although the first overall pick is certainly not decided, it does appear that the two big French names in this year’s class are at the top of most people’s draft boards. Although Risacher has cooled off lately, his length and potential as a shooter will keep him near the top of draft boards in this weak 2024 class. Sarr is a defense-first prospect, which would always be a massive help, considering Sarr’s size. That alone might make him the most sure-fire prospect in this year’s class, but playing it safe may not be the best course of action for a team that has failed to make any waves in the NBA in a long time.
2) Washington Wizards
NBADraft.net: C Alexandre Sarr, France
Bleacher Report: G/F Zaccharie Risacher, France
CBS Sports: G Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
USA Today: C Alexandre Sarr, France
With the first pick seemingly coming down to the two French prospects, you’d probably be shocked to see someone other than them listed at second overall. CBS Sports seems to like Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham in this spot, listing his ball-handling and twitchy playstyle as reasons for a team to take a shot. CBS Sports even claims that Dillingham shows “flashes of Kyrie Irving” in his game, which would definitely warrant the second overall selection if true.
3) Charlotte Hornets
NBADraft.net: G/F Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
Bleacher Report: G Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
CBS Sports: C Alexandre Sarr, France
USA Today: G Nikola Topic, Serbia
The third overall pick is where everything starts falling apart. NBADraft.net lists Dalton Knecht as their pick, but even someone as talented as Knecht could end up being selected much later. After all, CBS Sports has Knecht going 14th overall to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Where will Zach Edey be drafted?
NBADraft.net: 37th overall, Memphis Grizzlies
Bleacher Report: 30th overall, Boston Celtics
CBS Sports: 22nd overall, New Orleans Pelicans
USA Today: 26th overall, Washington Wizards
Edey appears to be a late-first or early-second round pick according to most predictions. While Edey is immensely talented, scouts appear concerned over whether or not his physical play down low will translate to the NBA when everybody is bigger. Still, his scoring prowess and ability to draw fouls cannot be ignored.
How to watch 2024 NCAA Championship Game?
Date: Monday, April 8, 2024
Time: 9:20 p.m. ET/6:20 p.m. PT
Where: State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona
TV: TBS, TNT, truTV
Streaming: Paramount+, Hulu, fuboTV
Stream the game: Catch the 2024 NCAA Championship with a Fubo subscription
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