They better have a couple of backups, because Burns has the stamina of a manatee, and those 2 are going to bang each other around. He does remind me a whole lot of Oliver Miller, though. Fat man with skills.
He reminds me of Kenny Lofton Jr. Burns is a couple of inches taller 6'9" compared to 6'6". He looks to be closer to 350 rather than the 275 pounds he is listed at. NC State also has Diarra and Middlebrooks each at 6'10'' to bang and wear down Edey.
Yao was a better shooter than Edey. Edey has better moves around the basket, both hands. Yao was a better passer, maybe? Not a crazy comparison.
Poor Edey. Put him back in 2002 ish and he probably has a viable NBA career as a Yao Ming type. In today's NBA it will be interesting to see if (a) he can anchor a defence well enough and (b) fit in offensively --> if he can do those things above average, then he has potential for a nice career. Otherwise he becomes the next Boban....
Burns also can not guard outside of the paint. No foot speed. He gets by on offense by muscling his opponent and having a soft shooting touch. Did not have much success muscling Edey. Edey has a nice O game near the basket, which should translate into the NBA. I expected more on D from Edey .. especially rim protection. I can guess that the Purdue wanted to keep Edey out of foul trouble.
Watched Zach Edey's highlights and one full game and I think the main difference between Edey and Yao is that Yao (especially young Yao) was way more fluid and had probably the best touch I've ever seen from a giant player. I do think that thirty years ago Edey would DEFINITELY be a lottery pick, but it seems like the NBA game has passed him by. That said, I'm absolutely rooting for him to become a star because we need more unique players in the league!
I hope he gets an opportunity to play in the NBA. I think he can at least be a solid backup center in the league.
