April 4, 2024

PURDUE’S ZACH EDEY RECIPIENT OF THE 2024 LUTE OLSON AWARD
Presented annually to the top player in division I college basketball.

PHOENIX, AZ -- Purdue’s Zach Edey is the recipient of the 2024 Lute Olson National Player of the Year award, which is presented annually to the top player in division I college basketball.

The 7-4 Edey dominated the paint to help the Boilermakers to a 33-win season and their first Final Four appearance since 1980, averaging 25 PPG, 12.2 RPG and shooting 62.4 percent from the field.

Edey, a senior from Toronto, drew 9.9 fouls per 40 minutes, converting 301 of 424 (.710) free throws while also ranking third nationally in offensive rebounding percentage.

He scored in double figures in every game, exceeding 30 points on nine occasions and producing 40 points and 16 rebounds in the Elite 8 defeat of Tennessee.

"Zach is so much more than 'big'," said Rich Boyages, Executive member of CollegeInsider.com and Former Big Ten VP of Men's Basketball. "He's continually worked on his game - footwork, lateral quickness, post moves, handling double-teams and passing. He also plays cerebrally, using an elite basketball IQ to establish great inside position, avoid foul trouble, and foil defenses designed to stop him. His greatest attribute may be his remarkable consistency; how hard he competes, plays within the offensive system, protects the rim, and in the numbers he posts. His teammates and coaches rest easy knowing he will always produce."

The award is named in honor of Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson, who won 776 games in 34 seasons, 24 of which were spent at the University of Arizona. During that stretch he led the Wildcats to 11 Pac-10 Conference titles, 23 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, four Final Four appearances and a National Championship in 1997.

Olson is one of just 25 head coaches in NCAA history to win 700 or more games (all divisions) and ranks ninth on the Division I career victories list. He finished with a winning percentage of .731 and is the all-time winningest coach in Arizona history with 587-190 record (.755). He was named Pac-10 Coach of the Year seven times.

Olson also guided Arizona to 20 consecutive 20-win seasons and is one of only three coaches in NCAA history to record 29 or more 20-win seasons.

In 2002, Olson was enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Coach Olson passed away on August 27, 2020.

The recipient of the annual award is determined by a 10-member voting committee, which consists of current and former head coaches, as well as two senior staff members of collegeinsider.com.

THE 2023-24 LUTE OLSON ALL-AMERICA TEAM