Sunday, 12 May 2024

Purdue’s Zach Edey Decides to Withdraw from NBA Draft

Purdue’s Zach Edey has made the decision to return to school instead of staying in the NBA draft. Meanwhile, Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe is continuing with his pursuit of a professional career. The reigning NCAA champions, UConn, will begin the upcoming season with some new faces and a few key players from their championship-winning team deciding to enter the draft but ultimately returning to college.

Edey, a towering 7-foot-4 center, and UConn guard Tristen Newton both announced their withdrawal from the draft on Wednesday, just before the NCAA’s deadline for early entrants to make this decision. Edey’s choice was confirmed through social media posts by both the player and the Boilermakers program. Last season, Edey’s exceptional performance earned him the title of The Associated Press men’s national player of the year. He averaged an impressive 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.5 assists while shooting an impressive 60.7% from the field. Edey’s presence on the team is sure to make Purdue a strong contender in the Big Ten race.

On the other hand, Tshiebwe, the AP national player of the year in 2022, has chosen to remain in the NBA draft. The UConn Huskies will, however, see the return of Tristen Newton, who played a crucial role in their recent championship win. Newton averaged 10.1 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds last season. His standout performance in the title game, with a game-high 19 points and 10 rebounds, helped secure UConn’s fifth national championship. As for the other players who declared for the draft from UConn, Adama Sanogo and Jordan Hawkins have confirmed their departure from college basketball, while Andre Jackson Jr.’s decision is still pending.

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The Huskies are restocking their roster with talented recruits for next season, boasting the No. 3-ranked recruiting class according to 247sports. McDonald’s All-American point guard Stephon Castle will lead the incoming recruits. This promising new lineup will help maintain UConn’s competitive edge, especially after losing key players to the draft.

It’s important to note that the NBA’s deadline for withdrawal is June 12, but for college players, the NCAA’s earlier deadline to retain their eligibility takes precedence. This deadline ensures that college players who choose to return to school can still participate in the upcoming season.

FAQs

Q: Why did Zach Edey decide to withdraw from the NBA draft?

A: Zach Edey made the decision to withdraw from the NBA draft and return to school to continue playing for Purdue. Although he had the opportunity to pursue a professional career, Edey has chosen to further develop his skills and contribute to his collegiate team’s success.

Q: Is Tristen Newton returning to play for UConn?

A: Yes, Tristen Newton has decided to return to UConn after declaring for the NBA draft. He played a crucial role in UConn’s recent championship win and will be an important asset to the team in the upcoming season.

Q: How did Zach Edey perform last season?

A: Zach Edey had an outstanding season, receiving the prestigious title of The Associated Press men’s national player of the year. He averaged 22.3 points, 12.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting an impressive 60.7% from the field.

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Q: Are any other players returning to college after testing the NBA draft waters?

A: Yes, there are several notable players who decided to withdraw from the NBA draft and return to college. Among them are Tristen Newton from UConn, Trey Alexander from Creighton, Terrence Shannon Jr. from Illinois, and Jaden Akins and A.J. Hoggard from Michigan State.

Summary

In a surprising turn of events, Zach Edey of Purdue has chosen to withdraw from the NBA draft and return to school, while Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe is continuing his pursuit of a professional career. The UConn Huskies, the reigning NCAA champions, saw multiple players declare for the draft but ultimately decide to return to college. This includes Tristen Newton, who played a crucial role in their championship victory. The decisions made by these players have significant implications for their respective teams’ future success. With the NCAA deadline passed, the college basketball landscape has become clearer, and fans can anticipate an exciting upcoming season.