Justin Edwards is a player UK fans might really like because of his transition defense. (Twitter Photo)
Before Yahoo Sports NBA draft analyst Krysten Peek started concentrating solely on the upcoming 2023 draft, she offered her “way-too-early” look at the 2024 draft and Kentucky signee Justin Edwards was No. 8 on her list.
She said NBA scouts got an “extended” look at the 6-7, 180-pound Edwards at the McDonald’s All-American game and Nike Hoop Summit. He had 11 points and five rebounds in the McDonald’s Game and 10 points and five rebounds at the Nike Hoop Summit.
Edwards reminds her a little bit of the way current NBA star Anthony Edwards was in high school.
“When you are really good and the game comes so easy, you can pick and choose when to turn it on,” Peek said. “At HoopHall he turned it on because he was being snubbed and wanted to prove he was No. 1 in his class.
“I saw him do it then and saw him do it again in the state championship game. At McDonalds and Hoop Summit he was still good but he was just trying to have fun with his friends. It was not that do-or-die mentality I have seen from him before.”
He is a long, athletic wing but has a very “underrated” skill in her opinion.
“He’s one of the best transition defenders you will find,” Peek said. “When his team turns the ball over, his defense is top notch. With his length and the way he can turn on a dime, he can make plays shooting a gap deflecting passes and he is a great chase-down (shot) blocker.
“Just his defense in general is very good because of the length and athleticism he has. I have seen him make so many steals over the years. That transition defense is a very specific part of his game. It’s not the exciting part like hitting 3’s or getting dunks and rebounds, but it is a very underrated part of his game that makes him special.”
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He’s a special player best one in the Class imo.
He’s going to get eaten alive by the grown men playing college basketball now.