Justin Edwards

Edwards grew up in Philadelphia and attended Imhotep Institute Charter High School. As a sophomore, he helped Imhotep win the Philadelphia city championship. In his junior year, he played in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League and led his high school to a state championship. The following year, Edwards participated in the 2023 McDonald's All-American Game and was selected to play for Team USA in the Nike Hoops Summit. His outstanding senior season led him to be named Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball while leading Imhotep to back-to-back state championships. Going into college, Edwards was a consensus five-star recruit and ranked third overall in the 2023 recruiting class. He eventually committed to Kentucky and made 30 starts as a freshman. The 6-foot-6 forward averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in 21.5 minutes per contest. Edwards was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Week on February 26 after he scored a career-high 28 points on a perfect 10-for-10 shooting from the field against Alabama. Edwards possesses the ideal size, length and athleticism for a forward in the modern NBA. Offensively, he has shown to be a reliable spot-up shooter with the ability to attack closeouts. He can also use his athleticism to get out in transition and finish strong at the rim. Defensively, Edwards is able to use his length to bother perimeter shooters and create turnovers. Edwards' game is reminiscent of Amir Coffey and GG Jackson as long wings who are able to use their athletic ability to leverage the threat of their outside shot into attacks at the rim. Edwards projects to be a capable scorer at the next level whose skill set will complement a primary playmaker. He also possesses the tools to be a versatile defender.