Zach Edey gives emotional postgame interview following Final Four berth: 'We're f-----g winners'
Zach Edey was fired up after Purdue defeated No. 2 seed Tennessee 72-66 to advance to the program’s first Final Four since 1980. After the win, the All-American big man didn’t bother keeping it family friendly.
“They thought they knew us, man. They thought they knew what we had in our hearts. I promise you they didn’t. We’re f***ing winners. That’s what we do,” Edey shouted.
Less people will know Edey now. CBS reportedly did not air the interview due to Edey’s profane language. However, TSN did broadcast Edey’s victory proclamation. It’s difficult to blame Edey for his excitement.
The reigning AP National Player of the Year erupted for 40 points and 16 rebounds while shooting 13-21 from the field. With the performance, Edey became the first player to record 40-plus points and at least 16 rebounds in an NCAA Tournament game since Bo Kimble of Loyola Marymount had 45 points and 18 rebounds in 1990.
Tennessee is only the latest victim of the 7-foot-4 talent. Edey has been on a mission in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 30 points and 16.25 rebounds per game. He is hoping to finish his collegiate career on a high note.
Zach Edey extra emotional in his final run
Edey waited until the final minutes of the NBA Draft deadline to announce his plans to return to college basketball for the 2023-24 season last May. There’s not going to be nearly as much drama this year.In late February, Purdue head coach Matt Painter confirmed this will be Edey’s final season.
“Matt Painter tells me that this will be Zach Edey’s final season at Purdue and he will not use his COVID year in 2024-25,” Rothstein wrote on X. “Averages 23.7 PPG and 11.8 RPG. Will be the first player to win National Player of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons since Ralph Sampson.”
Edey was viewed as a likely second-round pick last year. However, ESPN projects him to go in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft, potentially as a lottery pick.
That would be quite an accomplishment for Edey, who grew up playing baseball and hockey as his primary sports. He eventually turned his attention to basketball and has put together one of the most dominant careers in college basketball history.