Video: Purdue's Zach Edey Cuts Down Net Without a Ladder After Elite Eight Win

You don't need a ladder to cut down the Elite Eight net when you're the tallest player in the NCAA tournament.

Purdue's 7'4" big man Zach Edey reached up to cut down the net while standing on the court after Sunday's 72-66 victory over Tennessee.

After cutting down the net, Edey turned to hand the first piece to former Purdue men's basketball head coach Gene Keady, per Matt Glenesk of the Indy Star.

Keady, who coached the program from 1980 to 2005, never made it to the Final Four with Purdue.

"You've always got to pay respect to those that came first," Edey said about handing the net to Keady, per On3's Grant Ramey. "He built this. It doesn't go over our heads. He helped set this all up. To be able to pay him back and give him a little piece of net, it's the least I can do."

Edey has been a key part of the Boilermakers' return to the Final Four. He recorded a career-high 40 points, adding 16 rebounds for his fourth consecutive NCAA tournament double-double.

The Purdue center is projected as a 2024 first-round pick by Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman.

Before entering the draft, Edey will attempt to lead the Boilermakers to two more victories and the first NCAA tournament title in program history. That journey starts Saturday against No. 11 NC State.