When Purdue University goes head-to-head against NC State in its first Final Four appearance in 44 years, Amit Latchmaih will be watching with pride for one of his former students.
Toronto native Zach Edey scored a career-high 40 points and 16 rebounds to help the Boilermakers in their 72-66 victory over Tennessee last Sunday.
Edey started his basketball career in Toronto, where he played for Leaside High School.
Latchmiah coached him there for two years before Edey moved to Florida to pursue his hoop dreams.
“In Grade 10, which was when he started playing basketball, he was very raw and a very quiet kid. Now, seeing him in the Elite Eight, he wouldn’t let his team lose,” Latchmiah said. “He showed leadership, and seeing how his game has grown from the post to defence to footwork and everything, I’m very proud of him.”
Zach Edey returns to Leaside High School to catch up with coach Amit Latchmiah. Photo credit: Amit Latchmiah
During his last year at Leaside, he was already being talked about very highly, and he won MVP for the junior team before moving to attend IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
He joined their second-tier team in his first year and was promoted to the school’s national team the following year.
“Going to Florida was a great move for him. I spoke to his mom beforehand and I told her if the opportunities come, you have to take it,” Latchmiah said.
Since joining Perdue, Edey has been making a name for himself and many kids back home in Toronto are being inspired to follow in his footsteps.
“Seeing a Canadian like Zach Edey having success at such high levels of basketball is very inspiring and something that I never thought I would see,” Humber Hawks basketball player, Brett Pearce said.
Zach’s story has also been helping out his old high school, which was never really known for having a good basketball program before he arrived.
“Since Zach left, the Leaside basketball program has picked up quite a bit. Both guys and girls have been competing for regional championships,” Latchmiah said.
Zach is currently on pace to win his second player of the year award in a row. After that, all eyes will be on the draft as he is projected to be a first round pick.