DJ Wagner, Justin Edwards named co-MVPs of 2023 Iverson Classic

It feels like we can’t go a few weeks (or a few days, honestly) without DJ Wagner winning some sort of award. This weekend was no different, only this time around, Justin Edwards joined in on the fun, too.

The two Kentucky men’s basketball five-star signees were named co-MVPs of the 2023 Iverson Classic All-American Game, which took place on Saturday night in New Jersey. Wagner, who finished with 19 points and six assists, took home the award for Team Loyalty, which came away with the 131-124 win at Kean University. Meanwhile, Edwards earned co-MVP recognition for Team Honor with his 20-point effort.

Additionally, Kentucky MBB signee Robert Dillingham was also recognized as he earned the Crossover Award playing alongside Wagner in the backcourt on Team Loyalty. Dillingham and Edwards split time playing the point guard position, a tiny peek into what could be in store for the Big Blue Nation in 2023-24. Edwards, who Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports called “the best player” that he saw during the All-Star Game, also received the Mamba Award.

A fourth future Wildcat, Aaron Bradshaw, was invited to participate in the event but ultimately did not make the trip.

CO-MVPS 🤩

DJ Wagner and Justin Edwards bring home MVP honors at the @iversonclassic! pic.twitter.com/CIqwHYrYK7

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) April 30, 2023

Future Kentucky teammates DJ Wagner and Justin Edwards took home Co-MVP honors at the @iversonclassic pic.twitter.com/ocUmXeGrZD

— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) April 30, 2023

It was quite the weekend for Wagner, who not only won the Iverson Classic’s 3-Point Contest on Thursday but was also crowned as the Iverson Classic National High School Player of the Year on Friday. The five-star combo guard marks the second year in a row an incoming Kentucky freshman has won this award, as Cason Wallace took home the honor in 2022. Fellow former Wildcat TyTy Washington also won the Iverson Classic 3-Point Contest back in 2021.

Essentially, if you’re signed to play for Kentucky, you’re primed for a big performance at the Iverson Classic. Wagner was also named the MVP of the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Game earlier this spring after he scored all 19 points of his points in the second half alone.

According to the On3 Industry Rankings, all three of Kentucky’s Iverson Classic participants rank among the nation’s Top 12 prospects for the class of 2023. Edwards comes in at No. 2 overall, Wagner at No. 5, and Dillingham at No. 12.