Justin Edwards shares what he has learned about himself at Kentucky

Justin Edwards hasn’t waited to pick up a few valuable lessons while at Kentucky. On Thursday, the freshman Wildcat revealed what he’s learned.

“There’s more to it,” Edwards said. “Going from high school, just like always having the ball, everything’s around me. So, just adjusting to playing with other good guys and knowing that every play is not going to be for me.”

A star among stars

Edwards seemingly already has picked up a selfless attitude in his short time with the program. It’s likely for the better. Kentucky head coach John Calipari brought in the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation this offseason, garnishing three five-stars recruits, two four-star prospects and a pair of three-stars, as well.

If you’re unaware, Edwards is one of those five-star players. Standing at 6-foot-8, Edwards averaged 17.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game for his nationally-ranked high school, Imhotep Charter. For his efforts, Edwards was named Pennsylvania Mr. Basketball in May.

Justin Edwards accepts his role

Edwards is a versatile threat, equally capable at finishing a baby hook in the paint and drilling a step-back 3-pointer from the wing. The Philadelphia native discussed his expected role with Kentucky.

“[Calipari] told me that when we go to Canada, I might be playing [power forward]. It’s nothing that I’m not gonna be used to,” Edwards said.

 At least, Edwards will be in a comfortable role on foreign soil. Next week, Calipari and Co. head north to compete in a trio of exhibition games in Toronto against teams from Canada, Germany and Africa. If all goes well for UK in pool play, the Cats will play again in a medal game June 16.

A concerning history

Although Edwards claims playing power forward is nothing new, it isn’t his typical position. Edwards was a lengthy small forward in high school. Nonetheless, Edwards will be forced to play the 4 for Calipari due to Kentucky freshman Aaron Bradshaw suffering a fractured foot.

It isn’t the first time Kentucky has confined perimeter-skilled players to the paint. Kentucky stars such as Karl Anthony-Towns, Bam Adebayo and Patrick Patterson showed bewildering shooting ability once they reached the NBA.

Hopefully for Cats fans, Edwards won’t suffer the same fate. The 19-year-old prospect doesn’t seem to be worried about it. After arriving in Toronto on July 9, Kentucky will take on a Canadian squad at 8 p.m. ET in its first contest at GLOBL JAM.