5-star Justin Edwards hearing from Kentucky, Tennessee, others

2023 five-star Justin Edwards has separated himself in a strong group of wings in the class, a two-way threat who continues to develop as a shooter and scorer. It’s why some of the top schools in the nation are fighting for his services as a foundational piece to their respective recruiting classes.

“My ability to score and get my teammates involved,” Edwards said of what separates him from his peers in 2023.

Among the schools making a push?

“Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, UConn, Oregon, those are the schools off the top of my head,” Edwards said. “And Villanova, yeah.”

Kentucky was long seen as the favorite in Edwards’ recruitment, a dream offer for the 6-foot-7 wing. The Wildcats brought him in on a visit back in November during Kentucky’s win over Ohio.

“Their playing style, it’s a pro-style offense,” Edwards said of what stood out during his trip. “Kentucky being based off basketball was good. The energy and stuff was just crazy.”

His thoughts on the program are brief, but clear.

“It’s Kentucky, you know? I don’t know what else to say,” the five-star wing said. “… They get people to the pros, I would say. (Calipari) has been very successful at it.”

Kentucky’s hit a rough patch in terms of postseason success, but the product still speaks for itself.

“They’ve got a lot of one-and-dones,” Edwards said. “SoI feel like when you’ve got a young team like that, it’s going to be harder to win.”

With Orlando Antigua leading the charge in his recruitment, Kentucky wants to let Edwards play to his strengths in Lexington.

“Basically just me being me, just letting me do certain stuff that I do,” Edwards said of Kentucky’s pitch.

Kentucky was the dream school, but it’s not the program picking up the most buzz at this point in time. That school would be Tennessee, with assistant coach Rod Clark leading the way.

“Family atmosphere,” Edwards told KSR. “When I went there on my visit, they treated me like family.”

Auburn is also looming as a dark-horse option, with that trio of schools seen as the top contenders at this point in time.

How will he determine which program is the right one for him?

“How I’d fit in and how many people at my position they’re recruiting,” Edwards said.

The five-star junior says he plans to cut his list “by next week,” taking one step closer toward a commitment.

When could that come?

“No time soon,” he said.

Kentucky doesn’t have the current momentum with the standout wing, but the Wildcats have time to make up ground.