(Reuters) - Zach Edey, four days removed from being selected in the first round of the NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, on Sunday withdrew himself from consideration for the Canadian men's basketball team that will be competing at the Paris Olympics.
Edey, who won a bronze medal with Canada at last year's FIBA World Cup and led Purdue University to their first national championship game in April where they fell short of the title, said he is focused on being ready for his rookie NBA season.
"Since last summer, I have been training and competing nonstop to achieve my goals of winning a national championship at Purdue and making it to the NBA," Edey said in a statement released by Canada Basketball.
"I have a duty now to properly prepare for all that is coming my way with being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies. The work I put in this summer on my body and my game is critical for me to be the best version of myself."
Edey, who won back-to-back national player of the year awards to end his collegiate career, also said representing Canada in the Olympics remains a lifelong dream but that, for now, he will support the squad from afar.
At 7-foot-4, Edey dominated collegiate opponents with ease, proved to be a great screener, attacked the boards, displayed solid footwork and had an efficient touch around the rim.
Canadian men's national team general manager Rowan Barrett expressed his support for Edey's decision and looked forward to having him on board in the future.
"While we were optimistic about having Zach join us in training camp, we understand and support him in this difficult decision," said Barrett. "On behalf of Canada Basketball, I would like to congratulate him on being drafted into the NBA.
"We look forward to welcoming him to a future training camp and wish him the best of luck preparing for next season."
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Stephen Coates)