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5 Surprising Facts About Zach Edey's Parents: The 6'3" Engineer Mom And 5'8" Hockey Dad Behind The NBA Star

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The towering presence of Zach Edey, the 7-foot-4 center for the Memphis Grizzlies, is one of the most compelling stories in professional basketball today. His journey from a late-blooming Canadian prospect to a two-time National Player of the Year and a top-10 NBA Draft pick in 2024 is remarkable, but the true foundation of his success lies in the unique and supportive background provided by his parents, Julia and Glen Edey. This article, updated in late 2025, delves into the surprising details about his mother and father, whose diverse roots and athletic histories laid the groundwork for their son's historic career. The Edey family dynamic is anything but typical, featuring a height difference and a blend of cultural and professional backgrounds that have profoundly shaped the young star. Understanding the roles of Julia, the former mechanical engineer and 6'3" athlete, and Glen, the 5'8" former hockey player, offers a fresh perspective on how Zach Edey developed into a dominant force in the Big Ten and beyond.

Zachry Cheyne Edey: Biography and Career Profile

Zachry Cheyne Edey, known simply as Zach Edey, quickly became one of the most recognizable figures in college basketball history before transitioning to the professional ranks.

  • Full Name: Zachry Cheyne Edey
  • Date of Birth: May 14, 2002
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 23
  • Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Height: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
  • Weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
  • High School: Leaside High School (Toronto), IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
  • College: Purdue University (2020–2024)
  • College Highlights: Two-time consensus National Player of the Year (2023, 2024), Wooden Award winner, Naismith Award winner, three-time consensus All-American.
  • NBA Draft: 2024 NBA Draft, 1st Round, 9th Overall Pick
  • Current Team: Memphis Grizzlies (2024–present)

The Towering Mother: Julia Edey's Chinese-Canadian Roots and Athletic Past

Zach Edey's mother, Julia Edey, is arguably the most public and influential figure in his life, often seen courtside supporting the Purdue Boilermakers and now the Memphis Grizzlies. Her background is a fascinating blend of intellect, athleticism, and cultural heritage.

A Former Athlete and Engineer with a 6'3" Stature

One of the most surprising facts about the Edey family is that Julia is significantly taller than her husband. Julia Edey stands at an impressive 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) tall.

Her height is not merely a genetic factor; she was a former athlete herself, playing baseball and being on the basketball team in her youth.

Beyond sports, Julia is highly accomplished professionally. She holds a degree in mechanical engineering and worked in the field for years, though she has been described as a retired engineer as of early 2025.

In a unique twist, she also has a hobby as a beekeeper, showcasing a diverse set of interests outside of the basketball world.

The Chinese-Canadian Heritage

Julia Edey's cultural background is a vital part of Zach's mixed-race identity. She is Chinese-Canadian, born in Toronto to immigrants who hailed from China.

Her family owned and operated a Chinese food restaurant in Canada, where she worked during her formative years.

This heritage has been a point of discussion, especially given Zach's towering height and his mother's Chinese descent, with some drawing comparisons to Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming. Julia's presence and identity have helped highlight the diversity within Canadian and NCAA basketball.

Glen Edey: The 5'8" Hockey Dad and Quiet Supporter

In stark contrast to his wife's height and his son's basketball dominance, Zach Edey's father, Glen Edey, maintains a lower profile but has an equally important athletic history.

The Shortest Man in the Family

Glen Edey stands at 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) tall, making him the shortest immediate member of the family by a considerable margin.

This height difference—a 7-foot-4 son, a 6-foot-3 wife, and a 5-foot-8 father—is a frequently noted and lighthearted aspect of the Edey family story.

A Background in Canadian Hockey

While Zach's path led to the basketball court, Glen's athletic passion was on the ice. He was a hockey player at the Canadian college level.

This background in a different, quintessentially Canadian sport speaks to the overall athletic nature of the Edey household, even if the primary sport changed for the next generation.

The Edey Family's Influence on Zach's NBA Journey

The combined influence of Julia and Glen Edey has been instrumental in shaping Zach's career, particularly his late start in basketball and his decision-making process.

A Late Start Guided by Parental Support

Zach Edey did not begin playing organized basketball until he was a sophomore at Leaside High School, a remarkably late start for a future NBA lottery pick.

Initially, Edey was focused on baseball and hockey, following in the footsteps of his father. His eventual pivot to basketball was a family decision, with his parents supporting his move to the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida to focus on the sport.

His parents, particularly Julia, were heavily involved in the college recruitment process, helping him weigh his options and ultimately choose the Purdue Boilermakers, where he became a legendary figure in the Big Ten Conference.

The Pillar of Presence: Julia's Courtside Role

Julia Edey became a well-known personality during Zach's Purdue career, a constant presence at games and a vocal supporter.

Her dedication to attending games, often traveling extensively, has been highlighted as a key source of emotional and mental support for Zach, especially as he navigated the intense pressure of being a National Player of the Year.

This unwavering support continued into his professional career after he was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA Draft, demonstrating the strong family unit that underpins his success.

Key Entities and Topical Authority

The story of Zach Edey and his parents is deeply connected to several key entities in the world of sports and beyond, establishing strong topical authority for this subject:

  • Purdue Boilermakers: The college team where Zach Edey achieved historic success.
  • Big Ten Conference: The highly competitive NCAA conference Edey dominated.
  • Memphis Grizzlies: Edey's current professional team in the NBA.
  • 2024 NBA Draft: The event where he was selected as the 9th overall pick.
  • National Player of the Year: The prestigious award he won multiple times.
  • Wooden Award & Naismith Award: Major individual accolades won by Edey.
  • Toronto, Ontario: Edey's Canadian hometown and the location of his mother's family restaurant.
  • Leaside High School & IMG Academy: His high school institutions.
  • Chinese-Canadian Heritage: Julia Edey's cultural background.
  • Mechanical Engineering & Beekeeper: Julia Edey's diverse professional and hobby interests.
  • Canadian College Hockey: Glen Edey's athletic background.
  • Northern Kings AAU: Edey's first organized basketball program.
zach edey parents
zach edey parents

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