5 painful observations from the Illinois basketball loss to Purdue

5. Au revoir, Zach Edey, get out of the Big Ten

It has been three long seasons, but I think it is finally over. I think the Illinois basketball team is done playing against Purdue big man, Zach Edey.

There is always a chance the Illini play him one more time, as the Big Ten Tournament starts next week, but as of right now, there are no more scheduled games against that 7-foot-4 monster.

Edey has been a thorn in the side of the Illinois basketball team since he become a starter at Purdue. He has been great statistically, but even when he isn’t putting up big numbers, his presence in the paint causes enough chaos.

During his time at Purdue, Edey has started in five games against Illinois. He is 5-0 in those contests. Edey is averaging 17.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks in those five games as well.

It was all capped off on Tuesday night with Edey’s best performance against the Illini. He dropped 28 points and pulled down a measly eight rebounds in their win. In the last game, when Edey got in foul trouble, he only logged 23 minutes but still managed 15 rebounds.

When Edey isn’t touching the basketball, he is giving Illinois headaches in other ways. Offensively, he draws so much attention to the point his teammates have open three-point looks. Defensively, he is a black hole where everything around him gets sucked up. You can’t take the ball at him or he will make you pay.

It has been fascinating to watch Edey play the game of basketball because of his dominance, but I am so happy to say, au revoir, Zach Edey. It was a wild ride but get the heck out of the Big Ten.