Purdue's Zach Edey sweeps postseason awards with Naismith Award
HOUSTON − Zach Edey has a sudden need for a bigger trophy shelf.
The Purdue Boilermakers' 7-foot-4 junior center was named the winner of the Naismith Trophy, presented to the the nation's top college basketball player, on Sunday during Final Four weekend.
It is the fifth national Player of the Year award for Edey, who also received the honor from the Associated Press, The Sporting News, United States Basketball Writers Association and National Association of Basketball Coaches.
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Additionally, Edey received the Kareem Abdul-Jabaar Award this weekend, presented to the nation's top center, and previously was honored as the Pete Newell Big Man of the Year by the NABC.
Edey, who also won Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player, is the first Canadian to win the Naismith Award.
He is Purdue's second winner of the award, joining Glenn Robinson in 1994.
The lone remaining national honor is the Wooden Award, which will be announced on April 4. Edey is among the five finalists, along with Indiana's Trayce Jackson-Davis, Houston's Marcus Sasser, Gonzaga's Drew Timme and Kansas' Jalen Wilson.
After two seasons with part-time post duties, splitting with Trevion Williams, Edey was elevated to the starting center role this season and the Boilermakers ran their offense through the post.
Edey missed one game, but started the other 34 he played in and became the first player in NCAA history with 750 points, 400 rebounds, 70 blocks and 50 assists in a single season.
Edey averaged 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and shot 60.7 percent to lead Purdue to a 29-6 record and Big Ten regular season and tournament championships.
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue's Zach Edey claims more postseason honors with Naismith Award
