The story of Zack Edey, 7′ 4″, to the 2024 NBA Draft is a tale of grit and heart. From the moment he picked up a basketball in Toronto, he was told he’d never make it. Too skinny, too slow, not talented enough—these were the labels that followed him through high school and into college. But Zack didn’t give up. He spent countless nights alone in the gym, perfecting his shot, pushing past every doubt.
In high school, he was often benched, but in a pivotal state playoff game, he led an unbelievable comeback, single-handedly scoring 20 points in the final minutes. That game caught the attention of a few small college scouts, and Zack ended up at a Purdue University. There, he fought for every minute of playing time, eventually leading his team to an unexpected conference championship in his senior year.
As the NBA Draft approached, Zack was invited to the combine. Critics dismissed him, calling him too skinny and questioning his athleticism. But Zack shocked everyone with his performance, outsmarting and outplaying his competition with an undeniable basketball IQ.
Draft night arrived, and Zack watched anxiously as the picks were called. One by one, teams passed on him. Then, at the 9th pick, the Memphis Grizzlies made a surprise move: “With the 9th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select Zack from the University of Tennessee.” The room erupted in cheers. Zack’s impossible dream had become a reality.
Now, wearing the Grizzlies’ jersey, Zack knows the real battle is just beginning. He’s determined to prove he belongs, to show the world that he’s more than just a feel-good story—he’s a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. Zack’s journey from overlooked underdog to first-round pick is a powerful reminder that heart and determination can defy even the toughest odds.