Boilermaker Trio Set to Dominate NBA Summer League Play This Week
Three former Purdue Boilermakers, Zach Edey, Lance Jones, and Dakota Mathias, are set to begin their NBA Summer League campaigns this week. Their performances could secure them roster spots or training camp invites.
Edey’s Debut with the Memphis Grizzlies
Zach Edey, the No. 9 pick in the NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, will kick off NBA Summer League play tonight (July 8) against the Utah Jazz at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. Edey’s schedule continues with games against the Philadelphia 76ers (July 9, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (July 10, 7 p.m. ET, NBATV). The Grizzlies will then move to Las Vegas, starting with a game against the Sacramento Kings on July 12 (6 p.m. ET, NBATV).
Edey, Purdue’s second top-10 selection in three years, joins a short list of schools with multiple top-10 picks in recent drafts, including Kentucky, Connecticut, and Purdue.
Jones and Mathias with the Indiana Pacers
Lance Jones and Dakota Mathias will represent the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Summer League, starting July 12 against the Brooklyn Nets at 8 p.m. ET on NBATV. They will continue against the Minnesota Timberwolves (July 14, 5:30 p.m. ET, NBATV), Phoenix Suns (July 16, 4 p.m. ET, ESPNU), and Denver Nuggets (July 18, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
Jones had a standout season at Purdue, helping the team reach the National Championship game with averages of 11.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Mathias returns to the NBA Summer League with a strong resume, having played for the Grizzlies in 2022 and boasting 1,140 career points at Purdue.
The NBA Summer League presents a critical opportunity for these former Boilermakers to impress NBA teams. With their college achievements and previous NBA experiences, Edey, Jones, and Mathias are well-positioned to make significant impacts in the league. As they take the court, Purdue fans and basketball enthusiasts alike will be watching closely, hoping for their success.
