DJ Wagner, Justin Edwards named Naismith Player of the Year finalists

And then there were five, two being future Wildcats. The Atlanta Tipoff Club announced its five finalists for the 2023 Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Boys Player of the Year Trophy, with Kentucky signees DJ Wagner and Justin Edwards among those included.

Wagner looks to follow in the footsteps of his father, Dajuan Sr., who won the prestigious honor in 2001. He is joined by Edwards, a standout for Imhotep Charter (PA), along with 2023 five-star guard Isaiah Collier, 2023 five-star forward Ron Holland and 2025 five-star forward Cameron Boozer.

Kentucky signee Aaron Bradshaw was previously on the list of semifinalists, a group of ten standouts announced back on Feb. 2. That list included the likes of 2023 five-star forward Xavier Booker, 2023 five-star forward Matas Buzelis, 2024 five-star guard Dylan Harper and 2025 five-star forward Cooper Flagg.

All three UK signees were previously listed on the Naismith Midseason Team, announced back on Jan. 12.

Now, it’s down to five, with two future Wildcats making the cut.

“These award finalists were selected for their outstanding skill on the court and their leadership from the bench all season long,” said Eric Oberman, executive director of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. “Each finalist is deserving in their own right; it is always difficult to narrow the finalists down to one winner, but we’re excited to see how these players and coaches finish their seasons.”

The Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Boys Player of the Year Trophy will be announced on Friday, March 3.

“Jersey Mike’s is thrilled to honor the top high school boys players and coaches of the season,” said Jeff Hemschoot, vice president of marketing, Jersey Mike’s. “The finalists for these awards represent the very best of the sport. We applaud the players for their outstanding play and salute the coaches for their leadership and for developing the next generation of stars.”