5-star Justin Edwards to commit at Peach Jam; "I'm going to college"
Five-star Justin Edwards is the On3 Consensus No. 10 player in the 2023 class. On Thursday evening, the 6-foot-7 wing informed me of two details. The first is that he will be announcing his commitment at EYBL’s Peach Jam, which begins on July 17th and runs through the 24th.
“I got my mind on committing at Peach Jam,” Edwards said. “That’s something I want to do, just to get it over with.”
Edwards also said he will be attending college. It’s not much of a surprise to see Edwards pick a school, instead of the professional route, but it’s nice to get a firm confirmation to ease the minds of college basketball fans.
“No more pro options, I’m going to college,” Edwards said.
In late April, Edwards announced his top seven options — Kentucky, Auburn, Tennessee, Villanova, Maryland, Kansas and the G-League Ignite. We now know the G-League is no longer in consideration.
The five-star recruit has taken official visits to Kentucky and Tennessee.
Edwards says he doesn’t know whether or not he will take any more visits, but he currently doesn’t have anything else scheduled. He did mention Auburn was pushing to get him on campus. Note: Edwards told Jamie Shaw just over a week ago “I don’t have a date yet. But Auburn will be my next visit.” We shall see if the visit occurs.
Tennessee and Kentucky are considered the frontrunners if the Auburn Tigers are unable to get him on campus.
In fact, Edwards told KSR in early June: “Right now, yeah (it is between Kentucky and Tennessee).”
Edwards talks schools
Kentucky: “I’ve been talking to Coach Cal (John Calipari) more than other schools,” Edwards said previously to On3. “That’s made a big difference. It means a lot that I am one of the main guys they’re going after.”
“I look at how many wings they’re recruiting in our class,” Edwards told KSR. “Kentucky is recruiting probably four other five-stars. That doesn’t really determine me going there or not, but, you know? I’m the main priority for Tennessee wing-wise. I don’t think they’re recruiting another wing.”
Tennessee: “They want me to go in and be the guy. Help me get where I want to be and stay there for a long time. I have a close mutual, family-like relationship with them.”
“I’m their main priority,” Edwards told KSR. “They make me feel comfortable, and I’m big on that. I’m big on family. They say they want to build around me, stuff like that.”
Scouting Summary
A lefty. What you walk away with about Edwards is how smooth he plays. Nothing is ever rushed with him. As a 6-foot-6/6-foot-7 wing, Edwards has great length and soft-touch with deep range. He shoots it well off the catch and coming off movement. You want to see him develop more craft off the bounce, maybe develop some counters or combo moves there. He is a good athlete, but you would like to see him employ that on the court. There is still some more upside with Edwards, and his confidence is growing by the game.