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A few weeks ago The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie not only projected Kentucky freshman Justin Edwards as a 2024 first-round NBA draft pick but as the No. 1 overall pick. He predicted Edwards would be UK’s “best player” this season even with D.J. Wagner, Robert Dillingham and Aaron Bradshaw on the roster.
“I buy him being a bit more polished than some of these other guys, capable of playing well on both ends of the floor at an important position of value (a combo three/four) and especially able to drive toward the rim,” Vecenie wrote.
ESPN college basketball analyst Seth Greenberg won’t proclaim that Edwards could be the first pick in next year’s draft but he does think his versatility could make coach John Calipari’s team special this season.
“Edwards is a 6-8 guy who can snatch a defensive rebound, take two hard dribbles and win the first two steps in transition,” Greenberg said. “He can bust out and clear the first line of defense. That is a really big thing for a guy his size.
“He can pass and do so many things. You can’t pigeonhole him in one position. He’s not just a small forward. He can play the 4 (power forward) or 2 (shooting guard). He is just a basketball player. He’s a 6-8 floor gamer who makes shots and could enable John to play small ball if that’s what he wants to do.”
