SAN ANTONIO ― It was only two years ago when David Jones Garcia and Zach Edey were among the best players in college basketball.

Edey, a former two-time National Player of the Year at Purdue, is now a starting NBA center in his second season with the Memphis Grizzlies. Jones Garcia, a 2023-24 first-team All-AAC selection with the Memphis Tigers, is a fan favorite in San Antonio and hoping to earn a solidified role.

NBA schedules keep Jones Garcia and Edey busy, but both will be paying attention when the Tigers and Boilermakers play in the Baha Mar Championship on Nov. 20 (5 p.m. CT, CBS Sports Network) in the Bahamas.

Jones Garcia was in nearby Southaven on Nov. 16 when the Tigers lost to UNLV at FedExForum. He was unable to attend the game since the timing overlapped with his own, but he’s wishing his former school good luck ahead of the matchup against the No. 1 team in the nation.

“They just got to bounce back and fight,” Jones Garcia told The Commercial Appeal on Nov. 18. “I just wish them the best.”

Edey spent four seasons at Purdue, so it should come as no surprise who he is picking to win the game.

“Purdue dub,” Edey told The Commercial Appeal. “I’m going to root against Memphis that one game.”

In a day and age where college programs are undergoing rampant and constant roster changes by the season, Purdue still has three starters remaining from the 2023-24 season that played alongside Edey. One of those players is point guard Braden Smith, who is one of the favorities for National Player of the Year.

Edey played two seasons with Smith and spoke highly of his growth. He believes the 6-foot Smith would have been a lottery pick after last season if he was 6-4.

“It’s real cool,” Edey said of Smith’s success. “It’s not surprising. I think no one really gave him the credit that he deserved my junior and senior year. He helped me out a lot.”

Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.