Purdue star Zach Edey selected ninth overall in NBA Draft to Grizzlies
Last year, the Boilermakers were upset by No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson in March Madness, but this year they reached the final, losing to back-to-back champion UConn.
Edey was always a standout, but this past tournament solidified his legacy in college rankings.
In six March Madness games, Edey averaged 29.5 points and 14.5 rebounds, including a 40-16 line in the Elite 8 and 37 points in the championship.
Many thought Edey would fall out of the lottery, but his potential to pair with Jared Jackson Jr. was undeniable.
Memphis had a rough season with Ja Morant serving a 25-game suspension due to off-the-court issues.
When Morant returned, he dominated with a buzzer-beater in his first game back, but a season-ending injury soon followed.
Memphis ended the season 27-55, a sharp decline from their playoff appearance as a No. 2 seed the previous year.
With a healthy Morant, an improved Desmond Bane, another season from Jackson, and Edey joining the team, Memphis has a promising outlook.
Given these improvements, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Grizzlies make another playoff run.