If you’ve watched even a minute of college basketball lately, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Zach Edey towering over everyone else on the court. The Purdue Boilermakers star is impossible to miss—both because of his game and, well, his size. Whether you’re a casual fan or a full-on hoops junkie, one question probably popped into your mind: how tall is Zach Edey?
It might seem like just a fun fact, but his height plays a huge role in how he dominates the paint, alters defenses, and even shifts the way the game is played around him. So let’s break it all down—from numbers to matchups to surprising facts you might not know.
Who Is Zach Edey?
Zach Edey is a Canadian-born basketball player who has quickly risen to stardom as the centerpiece of Purdue University’s basketball team. Born in Toronto, he’s known for his dominating presence at the center position, strong rebounding, and highly efficient scoring in the post.
What makes Edey’s journey so unique is that he wasn’t always a basketball player. He spent much of his youth playing baseball and hockey before switching to basketball in high school. That late start didn’t stop him from becoming one of the most impactful players in the NCAA today.
How Tall Is Zach Edey?
Let’s get to the big stat that everyone wants to know: Zach Edey stands at 7 feet 4 inches tall. That’s not a typo—7’4″, barefoot. To put it in perspective, that’s taller than most NBA players and makes him one of the tallest athletes in all of college basketball.
According to Purdue’s official roster and NCAA data, his height has been verified. His wingspan and standing reach also give him an enormous physical advantage in the post. Simply put, Zach Edey doesn’t just look tall—he is tall, and it shows in every game he plays.
How Edey’s Height Impacts His Game
Height alone doesn’t make someone a good basketball player, but it sure helps when you know how to use it—and Edey does. His 7’4″ frame allows him to score easily over defenders, block shots without jumping, and grab rebounds that most players wouldn’t even contest.
He has developed excellent touch around the rim, a strong understanding of positioning, and surprisingly nimble footwork for a guy his size. His presence clogs the paint on defense and opens up the floor for teammates on offense. Coaches have to game-plan specifically around him.
How Tall Is Zach Edey Compared to Other Players?
Edey’s height puts him in rare company. Here’s how he stacks up against other big names:
- Victor Wembanyama – 7’4″
- Tacko Fall – 7’6″
- Shaquille O’Neal – 7’1″
- Yao Ming – 7’6″
- Oscar Tshiebwe (NCAA) – 6’9″
While he’s not the tallest player in history, Edey is up there with the giants. And unlike many players his size, he’s athletic and coordinated, which makes him even more of a matchup nightmare.
Is It All Just Height? Not Even Close
It would be easy to chalk up Edey’s dominance to just his size, but that would miss the bigger picture. His basketball IQ has improved dramatically since his early years, and he’s not just relying on brute force. He reads the defense, rotates well, and plays with discipline.
Off the court, he’s also known for his calm, hardworking personality. Coaches and teammates alike speak highly of his focus and drive. He trains like someone who knows his height is an asset—but not the whole story.
The Growth Story: From Hockey to Hoops
Edey’s athletic journey is anything but ordinary. He grew up playing hockey (as most Canadian kids do) and was also heavily involved in baseball. His coordination, timing, and physical awareness likely come from those early sports experiences.
It wasn’t until high school that he started playing organized basketball—and he was already over 6’10” at the time. Coaches immediately recognized his potential. Fast forward just a few years, and he’s one of the most dominant college players in the country.
The Challenges of Being 7’4″
There are upsides to being 7’4″, but it’s not all easy. Edey has to take special care of his joints, feet, and back—areas that can be vulnerable for taller athletes. His training regimen includes mobility work and strength training to help him stay injury-free.
Also, travel, clothes, and daily life can be challenging. Fitting into plane seats, finding shoes in his size, and even walking through doorways can be a hassle. Still, he handles it all with humility and humor.
Conclusion
So how tall is Zach Edey? Officially, he’s 7 feet 4 inches. And while that number is wild on its own, what really sets him apart is what he does with it. He’s not just tall—he’s skilled, smart, and getting better with every season.
Whether he ends up dominating in the NBA or carving out a unique path, Zach Edey is already leaving a mark on college basketball. His height gets your attention, but it’s his talent that keeps you watching.
FAQs
What condition does Zach Edey have?
Zach Edey doesn’t have any known medical condition like gigantism. His height is believed to be the result of natural genetics, and he’s been medically cleared without any health issues related to abnormal growth.
Is Zach Edey Chinese or Japanese?
Zach Edey is Chinese-Canadian. He was born in Toronto, and his mother is of Chinese descent. He’s proud of his cultural heritage and has spoken about it in interviews.
What happened to Zach Edey?
Nothing bad! In fact, things are going great. Zach Edey continues to dominate in college basketball for Purdue and is a top candidate for awards and potential NBA interest. No injury or drama—just steady growth and performance.
Does Edey have gigantism?
No, Zach Edey does not have gigantism. Although his height is exceptional, it’s considered normal in the sense that it wasn’t caused by a hormonal or medical condition. He’s healthy and active.
