Zach Edey Vs. Victor Wembanyama: Clash Of The 7-foot-4 Titans
The 2023 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory, and two of the most intriguing prospects are 7-foot-4 centers Zach Edey and Victor Wembanyama. Edey, a Canadian who plays for Purdue University, is a traditional back-to-the-basket big man with a soft touch and a developing post game. Wembanyama, on the other hand, is a French prodigy who plays for Metropolitans 92 and is considered one of the most unique prospects in NBA history. He has a 7-foot-9 wingspan and incredible athleticism for his size, and he can shoot, pass, handle the ball, and defend at a high level.
Edey’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Edey is a physical specimen, with a massive frame and great strength. At 290 pounds, he is one of the biggest players in college basketball, and he uses his size to his advantage in the post. He has a soft touch around the rim, and he is a good passer out of the post. Edey is also a developing defender, and he has the potential to be a rim protector at the NBA level.
However, Edey also has some weaknesses. He is not a great athlete, and he can be slow-footed in transition. He is also not a great shooter, and he struggles to create his own shot. Edey is also foul-prone, and he can be taken advantage of by quicker, more athletic big men.
Wembanyama’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Wembanyama is an incredibly unique prospect. He has a 7-foot-9 wingspan and incredible athleticism for his size. He can shoot, pass, handle the ball, and defend at a high level. Wembanyama is also a very good rebounder, and he has the potential to be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate at the NBA level.
However, Wembanyama also has some weaknesses. He is still very thin, and he can be pushed around by stronger players. He is also not a great finisher around the rim, and he can be blocked by smaller, more athletic defenders.
The Head-to-Head Matchup
Edey and Wembanyama have faced off twice in international competition, with each player winning once. In their first matchup, at the 2022 FIBA U19 World Championship, Edey had 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead Canada to a 92-86 victory over France. In their second matchup, at the 2023 FIBA U20 European Championship, Wembanyama had 37 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks to lead France to a 85-76 victory over Canada. It’s important to note that since these games were played at the youth level, it would be difficult to extrapolate how their potential matchup in the pros might play out, considering how much each player might improve before reaching the NBA.
The NBA Draft
Edey and Wembanyama are both projected to be top-five picks in the 2023 NBA Draft. Edey is likely to be drafted first overall, while Wembanyama is likely to be drafted second overall. Both players have the potential to be franchise-changing players, and it will be exciting to see how they develop in the NBA.
Conclusion
Zach Edey and Victor Wembanyama are two of the most exciting prospects in the NBA Draft. Both players have unique skill sets, and they both have the potential to be stars in the NBA. It will be exciting to see how they develop in the NBA, and it will be even more exciting to see them face off against each other in the years to come.