IndyStar's Gregg Doyel introduced you this week to a guy who -- among other things -- claimed "the NBA doesn't want" Zach Edey.

The Purdue center explored the NBA Draft last year before deciding to return to the Boilermakers. Last season's consensus national player of the year is potentially on a similar track this year, averaging 22.9 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots per game for the nation's No. 2-ranked team.

The numbers would suggest Edey is a certain early pick, but Edey's dimensions (7-4, 300 pounds) and playing style (offensively close to the basket) might not translate to the NBA.

But would someone take a chance on him? A recent round of NBA mock drafts say, maybe so. There's even a suggestion that he's a first-rounder.

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Zach Edey in NBA mock drafts

No Ceilings: 15th, going to Phoenix

Zach Edey’s exceptional production has become increasingly difficult to deny, and the Phoenix Suns run out a guard-heavy rotation without much size outside of Jusuf Nurkic and Kevin Durant. It might be a bit of a reach to some, but Edey slots in pretty neatly as a scoring bench big who can help out as a drop defender. Given how much he has done to shore up those weaknesses, his undeniability in the paint, and his continued dominance, he could certainly end up being more than a valuable rotation player. Even if his limited defensive mobility and versatility outside of drop coverage limit him from being a long-term NBA starter, Phoenix could certainly use the massive boost that he could provide to their scoring off the bench.

Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: 43rd

It still seems likely that the majority of teams would prefer to gamble on a guard, wing or forward than a 300-pound big who can't shoot or defend away from the basket. But all it takes is one front office to buy into Zach Edey's college dominance and 7-4 size translating to high-percentage post offense, finishing and shot-blocking.

The success rate of players in his mold is very low, but there's no denying his skill level and touch with his back to the basket.

NBA Draft Room: 35th

Edey is a superstar in college but there are question marks about his game translating to the NBA. Can he defend at the NBA level and keep up with the speed of the game?

Michael Scotto, Hoops Hype: 57th

The reigning AP Player of the Year, Zach Edey, has proved his statistical jump last season was no fluke and leads college basketball in free throw attempts, win shares and PER, according to Basketball-Reference.

Edey’s size makes him an elite shot blocker and post scorer, but he struggles on the perimeter, guarding smaller and quicker guards and forwards off the dribble. He’ll compete for a backup frontcourt spot in the NBA next season in the mold of a traditional center.

He is 22nd by USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Zach Edey draft: Will the Purdue basketball center play in the NBA?