Former Purdue basketball star Zach Edey likely won’t be ready to start his sophomore NBA season with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Edey, 23, re-sprained his left ankle during an offseason workout which required surgery. He underwent the procedure June 7, and the Grizzlies announced Friday that Edey is expected to be out for six to nine weeks. Though he was cleared to return to basketball activities.
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His rookie season included being a part of NBA All-Star weekend, winning the Rising Stars championship and led him to playing in the All-Star Game. His team lost to Team Shaq 42-25, and Edey had two points, two offensive rebounds and an assist. During the Rising Stars title, Edey had two points and two offensive rebounds. His semifinal performance featured four points, two rebounds and an assist.
It was part of a standout rookie season for Edey. The 7-foot-4 center played 66 games, starting 55, and averaged 9.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game while converting 58% of field goal attempts. He finished fifth in NBA Rookie of the Year voting.
Insider: How good is Purdue basketball without its stars? First impressions show how competitive Boilers are
Edey was a two-time national player of the year for the Boilermakers, and led the country in rebounding in both of those seasons. Helped Purdue reach the Final Four in 2024.
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However, Edey was in the news for something other than basketball this summer when he returned to Indiana.
Former Purdue basketball star Zach Edey admits to speeding
Police said they stopped Edey on May 1 after he, while driving north on Indiana 25 in southern Tippecanoe County, passed a southbound Indiana State Police trooper at 7:03 p.m. and was going 101 mph in a 55 mph zone, according to a probable cause affidavit.
When the trooper caught up to the speeding car, Edey turned eastbound on Tippecanoe County Road 700 South and stopped. He said he was trying to pass a vehicle as an explanation for speeding.
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News: Former Purdue basketball star Zach Edey charged with reckless driving back in Indiana
How much money Zach Edey paid for speeding fine in Indiana
In admitting to driving in excess of 91 mph in a 55 mph zone, Edey agreed to pay a fee of $500 plus $139.50 in court costs, according to court records. His plea agreement July 23 led to the state dropping a reckless driving charge, a Class C misdemeanor, which changed the case from criminal to a civil infraction case.
News: Purdue basketball star Zach Edey admits to speeding; offers to pay larger fine
Why was Zach Edey driving in Indiana? Was Zach Edey going to Purdue?
Social media posts by the Purdue men’s basketball accounts showed Edey and other alumni at Mackey Arena on May 6.
What car does Zach Edey drive?
Edey was driving a Kia Sorrento.
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Zach Edey college basketball stats at Purdue
Edey was a three-year starter for the Boilermakers.
2020-21 stats: 28 games, 14.7 mpg, 8.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.1 bpg
2021-22 stats: 37 games, 19 mpg, 14.4 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.2 bpg
2022-23 stats: 34 games, 31.7 mpg, 22.3 ppg, 12.9 rpg, 2.1 bpg
2023-24 stats: 39 games, 32 mpg, 25.2 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 2.2 bpg
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Zach Edey injury, ankle surgery, return to Grizzlies, NBA stats
