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The Untold Story Of Zach Edey’s Parents: 5 Fascinating Facts About Julia And Glen Edey’s Diverse Roots And Unwavering Support

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The towering presence of NBA rookie Zach Edey, a 7-foot-4 center for the Memphis Grizzlies, is one of the most compelling stories in basketball today, but the foundation of his success is rooted in the unwavering support and diverse background of his parents, Julia and Glen Edey. As of December 21, 2025, the narrative surrounding the Edey family is more prominent than ever, particularly as Zach transitions from a two-time National Player of the Year at Purdue to a professional career. His journey from a late-blooming Canadian athlete to a top-10 NBA Draft pick is a testament to his drive, but it’s the fascinating, multi-layered story of his mother and father—a former basketball player and a supportive sports enthusiast—that truly anchors his identity and drive.

The Edey family’s story is a unique blend of cultures, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to athletic excellence. From Julia Edey’s roots as a first-generation Chinese Canadian to Glen Edey’s own sporting history, their background provides a crucial context for understanding the man behind the dominant force on the court. Their influence extends beyond genetics, shaping his work ethic and providing the emotional bedrock for navigating the pressures of elite college basketball and the transition to the NBA.

Zachry Cheyne Edey: A Biographical Snapshot

Before diving into the extraordinary role of his parents, here is a quick look at the man they raised, whose recent accomplishments have thrust the Edey family into the national spotlight.

  • Full Name: Zachry Cheyne Edey
  • Date of Birth: May 14, 2002
  • Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Nationality: Canadian
  • Listed Height: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
  • Listed Weight: 305 lbs (138 kg)
  • College: Purdue University (Purdue Boilermakers)
  • Position: Center
  • NBA Team (2024 Draft): Memphis Grizzlies (Selected 9th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft)
  • Key Career Highlights:
    • Two-time Naismith Men's College Player of the Year (2023, 2024)
    • Two-time Consensus National Player of the Year (2023, 2024)
    • Led Purdue to the 2024 NCAA Championship Game
    • Two-time Big Ten Player of the Year (2023, 2024)

The Diverse Roots and Professions of Julia and Glen Edey

The foundation of Zach Edey’s unique blend of size and skill is his family's diverse background, which has been a quiet source of strength throughout his career. His parents, Julia and Glen Edey, are both Canadian nationals, but their ethnic and professional histories offer a rich tapestry that informs Zach’s identity.

Julia Edey: The Mechanical Engineer, Beekeeper, and Former Baller

Zach’s mother, Julia Edey, is arguably the most public face of his family's support, often seen courtside at Purdue and now Grizzlies games. Her background is a remarkable story of professional success and athletic history. Julia is a first-generation Chinese Canadian, born and raised in Toronto to Chinese immigrants. This heritage gives Zach a distinct bi-ethnic identity, which his family has always celebrated.

Professionally, Julia Edey is a qualified mechanical engineer, a demanding career that speaks to her intelligence and discipline. In a fascinating twist, she also works as a beekeeper, a hobby and side profession that showcases a grounded connection to nature and a meticulous approach to work.

Crucially, Julia was also a skilled basketball player in her youth. She played the sport with passion and potential, but financial constraints prevented her from pursuing a professional career. This personal history has been a powerful motivator, as she has channeled her unfulfilled dreams into supporting Zach’s journey. Her understanding of the game and the system helped Zach navigate his late start in basketball, providing clarity and strategic guidance.

Glen Edey: The Sports Enthusiast with a Baseball and Hockey Past

Zach’s father, Glen Edey, represents the other side of his athletic lineage. While Zach became a dominant force in basketball, Glen’s sporting interests leaned toward baseball and ice hockey—two of Canada’s most popular sports. Glen played baseball growing up, and Zach himself started with baseball and hockey before committing to basketball later in his teenage years.

Glen, who is significantly shorter than his son, once noted that he intentionally stayed away from basketball because of his five-foot-eight stature. His support, however, was crucial in fostering a general love for sports and competition in young Zach. The entire Edey household was one that valued hard work and dedication, traits that Zach carried into his intensive training at IMG Academy and his collegiate career at Purdue University.

The Immense Sacrifice and Unwavering Family Support

The true measure of Julia and Glen Edey’s commitment is the extraordinary lengths they went to ensure Zach could maximize his potential, demonstrating a level of dedication that goes far beyond typical parental support.

The Decision to Move to Indiana

One of the most significant sacrifices came during Zach’s college career. To ensure Zach had a stable, supportive environment while playing for the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Indiana, Julia Edey made the decision to move to Indiana. This move allowed her to be present for nearly all of his games, providing the emotional support and stability a young athlete needs, especially one dealing with the pressures of being a superstar player and the target of intense scrutiny.

Her presence was a constant, visible source of encouragement, particularly during the high-stakes environment of March Madness and the 2024 NCAA Tournament, where Zach led Purdue to the National Championship game. This act of moving is a powerful symbol of the family’s prioritization of Zach’s basketball career and overall well-being.

The "Little Buddha" Nickname and Early Life

Personal anecdotes reveal a loving and supportive home life. The Edey parents affectionately called Zach "Little Buddha" when he was a child. This nickname, which references his calm demeanor and large size even as a youngster, offers a glimpse into the family's playful and nurturing environment. Such details highlight that despite his massive size and athletic fame, he remains their son, a fact that helps keep him grounded.

Their support was also instrumental in his late transition to basketball. Zach only began focusing on basketball in his sophomore year of high school. His parents’ encouragement was vital during this period of intense development and catching up to peers who had played the sport their entire lives. They helped him develop his skills and were always there to provide guidance and emotional backing.

LSI Entities and Topical Authority:

The story of Zach Edey’s parents is intrinsically linked to several key entities in the sports world. Their Canadian roots connect him to the growing contingent of Canadian talent in the NBA, a source of national pride. Julia Edey’s background as a former basketball player provides a narrative thread that explains the family’s deep understanding of the sport, which is often referenced when discussing his development at IMG Academy and his dominance in the Big Ten Conference. The transition from Purdue University to the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA Draft marks the culmination of their years of support. The continuous presence of his mother at games, whether at Mackey Arena or on the road, has become a defining characteristic of the "Zach Edey family support" story, solidifying their place as one of the most dedicated families in modern college basketball history. Their story is a powerful reminder that behind every great athlete is a family whose sacrifices and diverse backgrounds lay the groundwork for success.

zach edey parents
zach edey parents

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