Basketball player Zach Edey’s mother, Julia, is a former basketball player and track athlete.
Zachry Edey has emerged as one of basketball’s most compelling figures, transforming from a reluctant player into a dominant force in college basketball.
He made history as the tallest player in Big Ten history while playing for the Purdue Boilermakers.
His remarkable college career culminated in back-to-back Big Ten Player of the Year awards and consecutive National Player of the Year honors in 2023 and 2024, cementing his legacy as one of college basketball’s most dominant players.
The Canadian phenom led Purdue to the NCAA Division I championship game in his final season, showcasing his evolution from a three-star recruit to an elite player.
His journey reached new heights when the Memphis Grizzlies selected him in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft, where he continues to make his mark as the NBA’s tallest active player.
Edey’s achievements extend beyond college basketball, as he also represented Canada in international competition, helping secure a historic bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Zach Edey’s Parents, Both Athletes, Instilled Hard Work and Passion in Their Son
Born into a multicultural household in Toronto’s Leaside neighborhood, Zachry Edey’s family story is as unique as his athletic journey.
His parents, Julia and Glen Edey welcomed him on May 14, 2002, as their first child, with Zachry weighing an impressive 11 pounds, 3 ounces at birth.
The Edey family later expanded with the addition of their second son, Doug, who followed in his brother’s footsteps at Leaside High School and also pursued basketball.
Julia, a first-generation Chinese Canadian standing 6’3″, brings her own athletic background to the family.
As a former basketball player and track athlete who once held a city record in discus, she understands the dedication required for athletic excellence.
Coming from a working-class immigrant family that owned a restaurant, Julia learned the value of hard work early, helping at the family business on weekends from age 12.
After retiring from her 30-year career as a mechanical engineer in the nuclear sector, Julia committed to supporting her son’s basketball journey, often staying in Indiana during the basketball season to attend his games.
In her retirement, Julia has embraced new passions, including beekeeping.
She manages three beehives in Canada, sharing the honey with Zach’s team and coaches.
Her community involvement extends to volunteering at Food Finders Food Bank and Natalie’s Second Chance Dog Shelter in Indiana, where she even adopted a dog named Natty.
Glen Edey, Zach’s father, contributed his own athletic genes and passion for baseball to the family.
Growing up in Canada, Glen worked at a gas station during his teenage years and developed a love for baseball that he would later pass on to his sons.
His influence led young Zach to initially pursue baseball and hockey before eventually finding his way to basketball.
Julia’s presence at Purdue games, where she became known for her enthusiastic support and “Big Maple” merchandise, has made her a beloved figure among Boilermaker fans.
The family’s tight-knit bond was particularly evident when they gathered in Toronto for Purdue’s game against Alabama in December 2023, where even Julia’s 91-year-old father attended to watch his grandson play live.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- When Zachry Edey made his NBA debut with the Memphis Grizzlies against the Utah Jazz, he made an unusual record – becoming the first rookie in NBA history to foul out in 15 minutes or less in their debut game.
- At IMG Academy in Florida, Edey initially started on their second-tier team, where he worked daily with former NBA player Daniel Santiago before earning promotion to the school’s national team the following year.
- As a freshman at Purdue, Edey shared playing time with fellow center Trevion Williams but still earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors while averaging 8.7 points and 4.4 rebounds in just 14 minutes per game.
