Sharing Mark Schindler’s (The Athletic‘s resident bracketologist & scouting/draft guru) comments & observations on Joyce Edwards from the Nike Hoop Summit. Long, but worth the read. Short review- he‘s very impressed with her game, talent, & potential.
”(on offense) Edwards' base is so low to the ground in spite of her size, which makes her such a difficult player to guard. She has the tightness of handle and compactness in her drive game to take bigger players off the dribble with ease. She has the strength and base to score over smaller opponents and back them down into the rim. She uses angles well to establish position and get to the rim. She made multiple good reads out of double teams she drew. She hit a few jumpers from mid-range and has the room to keep expanding that facet of her game.
My favorite aspect of her offensive game is her touch on the ball. She is adept using her length to secure the ball, attacking the basket with extension finishes: The closer you are to the basket when you release the ball, the more efficient you likely are to be (there are of course exceptions to the rule). Edwards is incredibly aggressive in her rips, post moves, and off the dribble attacks, but blends that seamlessly with the deftness as a finisher. It is rare to pair that force and gentleness, part of what I feel makes her such a potent scorer.
Edwards' commitment to the defensive end last night was what was most special. As mentioned prior with the guard play, the US was struggling mightily to create easy offense. That was jumpstarted by the intensity Edwards infused defensively, as multiple players across the roster stood up and elevated their games as well with defensive pressure.
It's easy to see how Edwards fits into South Carolina's system and schemes, but also the team ethos. She'll be an instant contributor for the Gamecocks, and it's wild to think about what that frontcourt rotation will look like for Dawn Staley next season. Yes, Kamilla Cardoso will be gone, but Ashlyn Watkins, Chloe Kitts, and Sania Feagin are all back with another off-season of growing their games. This group will be smaller without Cardoso, but the versatility they'll bring to both ends with Edwards in the mix as well will be quite difficult to matchup with for anyone on the schedule next season, let alone in SEC play”