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Shaquille O’Neal bestows new nickname on Zach Edey following standout March Madness performance
  • March Madness 2024
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    Shaquille O’Neal bestows new nickname on Zach Edey following standout March Madness performance

    Zach Edey has come as advertised in the early stages of the men’s March Madness tournament and one of the greatest all time has taken notice.

    Shaquille O’Neal posted on his Instagram page that he is changing Edey’s name to “Zachille O’Neal.”

    The new nickname comes after Edey became the first player since O’Neal in 1991 and ’92 to have more than 20 points and three blocks in three straight tournament games.

    Edey had 23 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and three blocks against Utah State Sunday to help Purdue reach the Sweet 16.

    He is also the first player since Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to put up 50 points and 35 rebounds while shooting 65 per cent through the first two games of the tournament. Edey had 30 points and 21 rebounds in the opener against Grambling State.

    After Sunday’s win, Purdue head coach Matt Painter made sure not to mince words when coming to the defence of his seven-foot-four star who he believes hasn’t earned enough respect.

    “Yeah, they just shouldn’t cover basketball,” Painter said with a laugh when asked what he thinks of detractors of Edey’s game. “I think all coaches should take a test so they understand refereeing, and I think all referees should take a test so they understand coaching, and I think all journalists should have to take a basketball quiz or test.”

    Edey and the Boilermakers will have another opportunity to dispel the doubters, and prove Painter right, when they face No. 5 Gonzaga and fellow Canadian Ryan Nembhard on Friday in Sweet 16 action in Detroit. The game will be a rematch from November in the Maui Invitational when Purdue won 73-63.

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    Canada’s Edey, Purdue roll into Sweet 16 with runaway win over Utah State

    Shaquille O’Neal, the legendary NBA player turned sports analyst, recently bestowed a new nickname on Purdue Boilermakers’ center Zach Edey following his standout performance in the NCAA March Madness tournament.

    Edey, a 7-foot-4 freshman from Canada, has been turning heads with his dominant play in the tournament, helping lead Purdue to the Sweet 16. His impressive size and skill set have drawn comparisons to O’Neal, who was known for his dominant presence in the paint during his playing days.

    After watching Edey in action, O’Neal took to social media to give him a new nickname: “Big Z.” This moniker pays homage to Edey’s size and skill, while also nodding to O’Neal’s own nickname, “Big Diesel.”

    O’Neal’s praise for Edey is significant, as he is one of the most respected voices in basketball. His endorsement of the young center speaks volumes about Edey’s potential and talent.

    Edey has quickly become a fan favorite in the tournament, with his towering presence and impressive play on both ends of the court. His ability to block shots, rebound, and score in the paint has been crucial to Purdue’s success.

    As Edey continues to make a name for himself on the national stage, it will be interesting to see if he can live up to the lofty expectations set by O’Neal and others. With his size, skill, and work ethic, there’s no doubt that “Big Z” has a bright future ahead of him in basketball.