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Purdue Basketball: 3 reasons why Zach Edey made right decision to return to school

By Thomas J. Brown

Dec 29, 2022; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) shoots a free throw during the second half against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2022; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center Zach Edey (15) shoots a free throw during the second half against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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Purdue’s head coach Matt Painter, right, talks with Fletcher Loyer 230116 Msu Purdue Bball 056a
Purdue’s head coach Matt Painter, right, talks with Fletcher Loyer 230116 Msu Purdue Bball 056a /

The Purdue Boilermakers could win the National Championship

Every year, the NCAA Tournament produces unforgettable moments. Inevitably, at least one of those memories is a major upset. Unfortunately for Purdue fans, they were on the wrong side of the biggest upset of the 2023 Tournament.

The Boilermakers’ great regular season, combined with their performance in becoming the Big Ten Tournament Champions led to an automatic bid and a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament. In the first round, they were slated to face the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights, a team that had amassed a record of 19 wins and 15 losses before upsetting Texas Southern to qualify for the Tournament.

Needless to say, the Boilermakers were heavily favored heading into the game. At halftime, they found themselves trailing by a score of 32 to 31. However, most fans across the country considered this a mere formality; the Cinderella Team would put up a good fight before the Blue Bloods eventually took over and put the game out of reach. Unfortunately for the Boilermakers, this did not happen. The Knights played inspired basketball all game long and walked away with a shocking five-point victory, 63 to 58.

In spite of last season’s difficult ending, the Boilermakers have to be one of the preseason favorites to contend for the NCAA Championship next year. Not only is Edey returning for his senior season, but the team’s second most important player Fletcher Loyer is also returning as well. Loyer averaged 11.0 points and 2.4 assists as a Freshman point guard last season. Next season, with a campaign of experience under his belt fans can expect Loyer to be an even better floor general than he was the year before.

Edey and Loyer may not have had their chance to cut down the nets in 2023, but they may very well get the opportunity to do so in 2024. Undoubtedly, that was one of the determining factors that led Edey to return for his senior season of college ball.

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