Zach Edey was the two-time Sporting News Player of the Year. He's been far and away the most dominant player in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 30.0 points and 16.3 rebounds through Purdue's first four games.
When it comes to which player a college team would rather have this year between Edey and UConn's Donovan Clingan, there is no argument. So why, then, is Edey being mocked far lower than Clingan on NBA Draft boards?
Clingan shows up in the middle of the lottery on most mock drafts, while Edey is more of a late first/early second-round prospect. (Our NBA Draft expert Kyle Irving had Clingan at No. 14 and Edey at No. 29 in his latest mock.)
Here's why Clingan is considered the superior NBA prospect despite his lesser production at the college level.
MORE: High school phenom Cooper Flagg has NBA superstar potential
Donovan Clingan vs. Zach Edey stats
| Donovan Clingan | Zach Edey | |
| Points | 12.9 | 25.0 |
| Rebounds | 7.5 | 12.2 |
| Assists | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| Blocks | 2.5 | 2.2 |
| Steals | 0.5 | 0.3 |
| FG% | 64.3 | 62.4 |
| FT% | 57.4 | 71.0 |
MORE: Why Donovan Clingan is a projected lottery talent in 2024
Zach Edey is a far better offensive player than Donovan Clingan
When it comes to putting the ball in the basket, there's really no contest between the two.
Edey's massive 7-4 frame allows him to establish great post positioning, where he does most of his damage. He's also the best offensive rebounder in DI basketball because of that size.
Edey is more than just a banger. He has a soft touch on his righty hook, and he's a decent passer out of double teams.
Clingan doesn't score out of the post nearly as much, although he has improved there in his second year. He's a good rim roller who can finish near the basket with lobs or layups.
Neither player shoots 3s yet, but Clingan does have a little more hope as a shooter.
Clingan separates himself from Edey as a passer. While Edey is adequate at best, Clingan makes some very nice reads.
Clingan's skills as a handoff hub or elbow passer fit exactly with how most NBA teams are playing these days. He could be one of the better big facilitators in the league in a few years.
MORE: Why comparing 7-4 Zach Edey to Yao Ming is lazy
Donovan Clingan is a much better defender than Zach Edey
Edey racked up blocks at the college level, but there are real questions if that will translate to the NBA where he will have to be more mobile.
He benefited a lot from the lack of defensive three seconds in the college game, which allowed him to stay right under the basket. Purdue played him mostly in a deep drop because he had trouble guarding out to the 3-point line.
Clingan is far more versatile. He moves his 7-2 frame well and has a great 7-7 wingspan to challenge shots with. He was able to play both near the basket and also higher up to touch near the 3-point line in UConn's defensive scheme.
Clingan is one of the best defenders in the college ranks. The Huskies ranked No. 4 in the nation on defense, per KenPom, thanks to him swatting away everything near the basket.
MORE: Nikola Jokic vs. Victor Wembanyama is already the best show in the NBA
Donovan Clingan's game translates better to the NBA than Zach Edey's
There haven't been a ton of players to succeed in Edey's archetype. He's an old-school post player who can't move particularly well. Other giants like Tacko Fall and Boban Marjanovic have been able to score and rebound, but they have given up more points than they've gotten.
NBA teams don't run a ton of post-ups anymore. Great interior scorers like Drew Timme or Kofi Cockburn have not been able to adjust their games. Luka Garza has started to show a little more promise as he's expanded his range out to the 3-point line. It's doubtful that Edey, who scores almost exclusively within a few feet of the basket at Purdue, can do the same.
Clingan also isn't a great shooter, but his form looks good and his practice shots indicate that he may one day develop that skill.
Clingan doesn't need to be an A-plus scorer either. He will probably be a fourth or fifth option in the league. His success in the NBA will come primarily from the defensive value, passing and screening that he brings.
The NBA is a much more pick-and-roll-heavy league than the college ranks. Big men are involved in many more ball screens, and rim protection is vitally important against the higher level of athletic finishers. Edey is a good shot blocker, but can he be in position to make those plays? We know that Clingan can.
Clingan is the type of player who can one day anchor a top-five defense. He can play different types of coverages, which is essential in playoff settings. Edey is primarily going to be a deep drop center, and his effectiveness even in that setting is unclear.
Clingan's game is simply way more suited to the style that NBA teams play across the board.
Edey could have success as well, but he would have to play under much more specific circumstances — four great team defenders and shooters around him — for that to happen. It's hard to construct that type of roster. That's why Edey is being thought of more as a bench specialist with some upside to start, while Clingan projects as a good starter.
