Draft first-rounder Zach Edey declines invitation to green room for draft party at Purdue

Player of the Year Zach Edey reportedly turned down an invitation to the 2024 NBA Draft to attend the festivities at Purdue, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

Edey was among 21 prospects invited to the green room June 26-27 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. He instead chose to spend the evening surrounded by his former teammates, coaches and family in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Each year, teams selected in the first round vote for players they think will be drafted early, usually the top 20 to 25 prospects. Last year, 25 prospects were invited to the green room and only one was not selected in the first round (Rayan Rupert, 43rd overall pick).

Edey led the Boilermakers to the national title game after averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and two assists on 62.3% shooting from the field. He became the first player in over 50 years to be unanimously named Player of the Year in consecutive seasons.

The 7-footer leaves Purdue as the all-time career leader in points (2,516), rebounds (1,321), field goals (925) and field goal percentage ( 62.1). He became the sixth player in history and the first since 1990 to finish with at least 2,516 points and 1,321 rebounds in his career.

Edey should be a first-round pick, given his ability to dominate in the paint and protect the rim. He is one of the most accomplished college players in history and has helped win at a high level.

The story was originally published on Rookie Wire