Purdue centre Zach Edey has become the first Canadian to win the Naismith College Player of the Year award for NCAA men’s basketball.
The 7-foot-4 Toronto native received the honour on Sunday as part of Final Four festivities in Houston.
Edey, who was named AP player of the year earlier this week, was sixth in the NCAA in scoring (averaging 22.9 points) and second in rebounds (12.9) this season, leading Purdue to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
The Boilermakers went on to suffer one of the most stunning losses in March Madness history, falling to No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson in the first round. Edey had 21 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks in the loss.
Edey still hasn’t said if he’s returning for his senior season at Purdue or entering the NBA Draft.
Because of the changing nature of the NBA, Edey isn’t considered a surefire top prospect. Most draft boards have him going in the second round.
Last year’s Naismith winner, centre Oscar Tshiebwe, returned to Kentucky for his senior season after capturing the award.
