“Big Maple” is officially in the NBA.

The Memphis Grizzlies selected Canadian Zach Edey with the ninth overall pick in the Draft on Wednesday.

Edey, 22, was a two-time National Player of the Year with Purdue. The Toronto native averaged 25.2 points and 12.2 rebounds on 62.3 per cent field goal shooting as a senior, leading the Boilermakers to their first Final Four appearance since 1980.

Entering the day, Memphis made it clear they were in search of a centre. Reports indicated they were targeting two-time National champion Donovan Clingan, but when trade talks with Charlotte at No. 6 stalled moments before the Hornets selected Tidjane Salaun, the Grizzlies opted for the Edey.

The Canadian was mocked all over the first round, seemingly everywhere between the top five to the 30th pick. He’ll now join a core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. — along with veterans Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose and prospects GG Jackson and Ziaire Williams.

In 2023, Memphis went through a down year finishing 27-55 — largely due to a 25-game suspension for Morant to open the season and a season-ending injury nine games into his return. Things only went further downhill after Bane and Smart both missed 42 and 60 games, respectively, due to injuries as well. They missed the postseason for the first time in four seasons as a result.

When fully healthy, and with Edey, Memphis looks primed to return to the form that saw them win over 50 games in back-to-back seasons prior to 2023.

The Grizzlies ranked 24th in total rebounds last season in the NBA and 27th in defensive boards — adding the seven-foot-four Canuck will surely change that come next season.

The Memphis Grizzlies made a bold move in the 2022 NBA Draft by selecting Canadian player Zach Edey as the ninth overall pick. The 7-foot-4 center out of Purdue University has been turning heads with his impressive size and skill set, making him a promising prospect for the Grizzlies.

Edey, who hails from Toronto, Ontario, has been making a name for himself in college basketball with his dominant presence in the paint. He averaged 14.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game during his sophomore season at Purdue, showcasing his ability to score inside, grab rebounds, and protect the rim.

The Grizzlies were in need of a big man to bolster their frontcourt, and Edey fits the bill perfectly. His size and strength make him a formidable presence in the paint, while his scoring touch and shot-blocking ability add another dimension to his game.

Edey’s selection by the Grizzlies is a testament to the growing talent pool of Canadian basketball players in the NBA. With players like Andrew Wiggins, Jamal Murray, and RJ Barrett making waves in the league, Edey is poised to continue the trend of Canadian players making an impact at the highest level of basketball.

Grizzlies fans can look forward to seeing Edey develop alongside rising stars like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., as he brings his unique skill set to the team. With his combination of size, skill, and potential, Zach Edey has the potential to become a key player for the Memphis Grizzlies in the years to come.