Purdue star Edey to declare for NBA draft after season

Purdue star and reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey won't return to school for his final year of eligibility, Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter told CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein.

Edey has been even more dominant in his senior season than in his award-winning junior campaign. He's averaging 23.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks a game while shooting 62.7% from the floor for No. 3 Purdue, putting him firmly in position to win a second straight Player of the Year crown.

The 7-foot-4 center tested the NBA draft waters last summer before returning to school. He's assisted his draft stock with his continued excellence, and a handful of draft experts peg him as a first-rounder.

The Canadian would've been granted a fifth season by the NCAA as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected all student-athletes during the 2020-21 season.

With Purdue likely earning a second straight No. 1 seed in March Madness, Edey will look to make his mark on the game's biggest stage before leaving college. His Boilermakers were historically upset by No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson last year.