Versatility is What Kentucky Needs Most From Justin Edwards

Vicky Graff Photo

A few weeks ago Kentucky coach John Calipari said he was convinced freshman Justin Edwards was going to have a breakout game soon and play like the top-ranked recruit in UK’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class.

It has not happened but assistant coach Orlando Antigua continued to bang the drum Tuesday for major improvement happening soon. However, Antigua said it was dependent more on defense and small things and not offense for the former high school all-American.

Edwards is averaging 9.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game. He’s started all 15 games and is averaging 23.6 minutes per game while shooting 46.2 percent overall from the field and 27.5 percent from 3. He’s also been to the foul line only 22 times — by comparison Adou Thiero has missed five games and has taken three more foul shots than Edwards.

“Everybody thinks that it’s got to be about offense, but it’s not.  Justin is not just a guy that can score the ball. His versatility, his ability to defend multiple positions, his ability to offensive rebound, his ability to guard smaller guards, bigger guys; that is his real value,” Antigua said.

That doesn’t mean Edwards could not have a big scoring game or two. Antigua says the offensive potential is still there.

“There’s going to be a game where he has a 20-, 30-point game. It’s in him,” Antigua said. “But that’s not what just makes him. He’s a very good basketball player that’s well-rounded.”

Edwards hit two 3-pointers in Saturday’s loss at Texas A&M and also had four rebounds, one assist, one steal, one block and no turnovers in 22 minutes of play. Antigua said his play was one of the “highlights” of the game for Kentucky.

Maybe it will be a confidence boost he needed after going 2-for-7 from the field in the previous game against Missouri. He even had one 3-point try hit the side of the backboard but Antigua made it clear Tuesday that the UK coaching staff still had full confidence in Edwards.