In a stunning and unconventional move that has left both college basketball and NBA circles buzzing with excitement, Purdue Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter has officially named star big man Zach Edey as the team’s new senior point guard ahead of the upcoming NCAA season.
The 7-foot-4 Canadian giant, known for dominating the paint and winning back-to-back National Player of the Year awards, is now set to take on an unexpected but thrilling new role — running the offense as Purdue’s floor general.
“We’re doing something bold,” Coach Painter said during a packed press conference at Mackey Arena. “Zach Edey is not only one of the most skilled big men we’ve ever seen — he’s also one of the smartest. He sees the floor, makes the right reads, and has worked nonstop to improve his handles. He’s earned this opportunity.”
The decision to shift Edey to point guard duties comes after weeks of experimentation during off-season practices. Coach Painter revealed that Edey has spent the summer developing his dribbling, passing, and perimeter decision-making, aiming to turn him into the ultimate hybrid weapon on the court.
Fans and analysts alike are shocked and intrigued, as the traditional concept of a point guard is being reimagined.
“This is a new challenge for me, but I’m ready,” said Edey. “I’ve always tried to be more than just a big man in the paint. I want to prove I can run an offense, create for my teammates, and lead this team to a national championship.”
Reactions from across the college and NBA world flooded social media. NBA MVP Nikola Jokić, known for his own point-center playstyle, commented: “Respect to Edey. It’s about vision, not just size.”
Former Purdue stars and current NBA players also voiced their support, calling the move “revolutionary.”
The announcement has not only energized Purdue fans but has sparked major attention from NBA scouts, who now view Edey as a multidimensional draft prospect with unique upside.
“This could redefine how we evaluate talent at the next level,” said one anonymous NBA executive. “If Edey can actually pull this off, he’ll go from dominant college big to generational unicorn.”
With the season just weeks away, the Boilermakers are entering a new era — one where their tallest player is also their most dynamic ball handler.
