NBA Draft: Zach Edey Outduels Dalton Knecht in Elite Eight

Two college superstars and NBA Draft hopefuls battled in the Elite Eight Sunday.

Purdue center Zach Edey (15) is defended by Tennessee forward Tobe Awaka (11) and guard Dalton / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Zach Edey and Purdue bested Dalton Knecht and Tennessee, 72-66, in an Elite Eight matchup Sunday.

The two 2024 NBA Draft hopefuls were undoubtedly the stars of show Sunday, leading their respective teams in a variety of categories. Knecht was on fire all day long, pouring on 37 points on 50% 3-point shooting to lead the Vols.

But Edey continued his collegiate dominance, not only filling the stat sheet with 40 points, 16 rebounds and a block, but making his impact felt on both ends all game long.

Despite a highly-decorated career, there’s a case to be made it was the best game of Edey’s career.

On the season, Edey — the former National Player of the Year — has poured on a gargantuan 24.6 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.2 blocks per game. Knecht has been similarly good, scoring 21.2 point on 46% shooting and hitting on near-40% of his over six 3-point attempts per game.

Despite both being seniors, the two are going to garner NBA Draft attention — Knecht for his white-hot scoring and Edey for his combination of innate size and skill.

Both are likely sitting as mid-first projections right now, with Knecht likely slightly higher due to his more NBA-tailored game. Although all it will take is one NBA team to value their talents enough to make them a lottery selection.

Edey and Purdue now join UConn, Alabama and the winner of Duke/NC State in the Final Four.

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