DJ Wagner, Justin Edwards named SLAM High School All-Americans

ZGeogheganKSR

A pair of future Kentucky Wildcats have received another national recognition as some of high school basketball’s most talented players.

On Thursday, SLAM released its prestigious list of 2023 All-Americans, which included five-star combo guard DJ Wagner and five-star wing Justin Edwards. The incoming freshmen were among the five-man group of All-Americans honored by SLAM, also featuring Matas Buzelis (G League), Jared McCain (Duke), and Isaiah Collier (Southern California).

Wagner (No. 7 in the On3 Industry Ranking) and Edwards (No. 2) make up less than half of John Calipari’s top-ranked ranked 2023 recruiting class, which also boasts five-star center Aaron Bradshaw, four-star point guard Robert Dillingham, and four-star combo guard Reed Sheppard. All five are ranked among the country’s top 30 seniors by On3’s Industry Ranking.

But during their respective high school seasons, Wagner and Edwards shined above the rest. Wagner was especially impressive during the McDonald’s All-American Game (taking home MVP honors) and the Throne Championship (hitting the game-winning shot) while Edwards was the engine behind Imhotep Charter winning a second straight Pennsylvania state championship.

Wagner and Edwards even suited up together for Team USA as part of the Nike Hoop Summit in early April. They also split the 2023 Iverson Classic MVP award earlier a few weeks later. Wagner was named the Iverson Classic High School Player of the Year, as well.

ANNOUNCING THE 2023 SLAM ALL-AMERICANS! Congratulations to DJ Wagner! pic.twitter.com/rMJz4D1DaO
— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) May 25, 2023

ANNOUNCING THE 2023 SLAM ALL-AMERICANS! Congratulations to Justin Edwards!@Jedwards3_ pic.twitter.com/VW9wHVauAL
— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) May 25, 2023

Wagner, Edwards, and the rest of Kentucky’s incoming freshmen class are expected to arrive in Lexington for the summer in early June. The Wildcats will only have a few weeks between then and the program’s departure for the 2023 GLOBL JAM, which will take place in Toronto, Canada from July 12-16. UK will represent Team USA in the event while playing against international competition.