John Calipari assesses how Justin Edwards can earn playing time

Kentucky guard Justin Edwards has seen inconsistent playing time this season, which is perhaps a reflection of his inconsistent play on the court.

The 6-foot-8 freshman is averaging 22.6 minutes per game this season but has reached that mark only once in conference play. Head coach John Calipari explained what Edwards has to do to get more playing time.

“Just got to keep getting in, got to break through,” Calipari said. “He’s got to know that this is a team that we’ve got a lot of players. And if someone’s playing better than you, you won’t believe this, they’re going to play in front of you or you’re going to get your opportunity to go do it.”

Justin Edwards probably didn’t do a whole lot to earn more minutes in a 79-62 loss to South Carolina on Tuesday night, contributing just two points, two rebounds, two fouls and a turnover in 23 minutes of action.

The Gamecocks pretty much led from start to finish, upending the Wildcats easily.

Kentucky could use players like Edwards stepping up on a more consistent basis, because Calipari has promised that players won’t see the floor unless they’re giving it their all.

“The easiest thing to do is defensive, rebound, go block a shot, dive on the floor, take a charge,” Calipari said. “And then when you have plays, make them. But forcing it with this team, you really don’t have to because we can create for each other.”

When things have gone well this season, even Justin Edwards has been the beneficiary of the strong teamwork. He is averaging 8.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, while also chipping in the occasional block, steal or assist.

Whether Edwards gets more minutes going forward or not, Kentucky has to get back to playing as a team, like Calipari noted.

“We did not do it today. We just didn’t,” Calipari said. “And we would have had to make a bunch of threes because of how they played. They pack it in, it’s pack-line defense. You’re going to have to make some threes. We didn’t make many.”