National experts break down Justin Edwards' game with KSR

2023 five-star wing Justin Edwards is a Kentucky Wildcat, announcing his commitment Monday evening. Ranked No. 9 overall and No. 2 among small forwards in the On3 Consensus, the 6-foot-8 prospect out of Philadelphia becomes Kentucky’s third commitment in the rising senior class, joining five-star guard Rob Dillingham and four-star guard Reed Sheppard.

What is the Kentucky basketball program getting in Edwards? Let the experts tell you.

KSR reached out to various national recruiting analysts to get their take on the five-star wing’s game and what his commitment means for the Wildcats. Take a look:

Travis Branham, 247Sports National Basketball Analyst

Justin Edwards is a versatile and skilled small forward prospect with good size and athleticism, standing at 6-foot-7. He is arguably the most well-rounded prospect in the class with his ability to score from all three levels, rebound, facilitate and playmaker as well as defend multiple positions on the other end of the floor. He can create his own shots while also being comfortable enough to score without having the ball in his hands. Edwards plays the game the right way and as he builds his frame and continues to become more aggressive and assertive, he has a chance to be the most versatile player in the 2023 recruiting class.

Paul Biancardi, ESPN National Recruiting Director

Justin Edwards caught the eye of NBA scouts I spoke with as he played very well at the Peach Jam. His total makeup of scoring and rebounding along with some playmaking was impressive 

With his long frame and anticipation skills he produces steals both on and off the ball. At 6’7” he is a big lefty wing who constantly attacks the basket with thrust. Defensively he can switch on to different perimeter threats. 

His jumper is more than capable, but where he excels is in transition as a high-level finisher in the open floor. In the half court he dominates with his hard straight line drives, trips to the free throw line and works the glass for extra possessions.

Edwards is one of only a few prospects that has an alpha dog mentality. 

You see Kentucky’s class taking shape with skill and toughness. 

The Cats are looking for more. DJ Wagner, Aaron Bradshaw, and Ugonna Kingsley-Onyenso are on their wish list.

Travis Graf, Rivals National Basketball Recruiting Analyst

Justin Edwards is probably the best wing prospect in the class when you take everything into consideration. He’s a long, rangy wing that contributes at a high level on both ends of the court. Edwards isn’t the flashiest player in the class, but he always makes the right play on a consistent basis. He’s not a selfish player and always looks to create for his teammates. He’s one of two highly-ranked wings that can create for themself and others off of the bounce at a high rate. The best part about Edwards is that he elevates his play against top players at the 3 and 4 spots. When playing against KJ Evans, Mackenzie Mgbako, GG Jackson, Mookie Cook, TJ Power, and Milan Momcilovic on the EYBL circuit, Edwards averaged 20.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and three steals per contest while shooting 58.9-percent from the field.

Jamie Shaw, On3 National Recruiting Analyst

Justin Edwards is a lefty. What you first notice about his game is the defense. He has long arms and really competes on that end. On the ball, in the passing lanes, he can switch up and down a lineup and is not afraid to rotate over and take a charge. Offensively, there is a little more of a mixed bag. He moves well off the ball, a purposeful cutter. The jump shot is smooth, but inconsistent and you want to see more 1-2 dribble pull-ups. You want to see him develop more craft off the bounce, maybe develop some counters or combo moves there. He is a good athlete, but you would like to see him employ that on the court. Edwards has a solid handle in the open floor, and is able to push the break off a change of possession. There is still some more upside with Edwards, and his confidence is growing by the game.

Ari Rosenfeld, ELITE HS Scouting Owner and Scouting Director

Those who see the beauty in simplicity and consistency should have no issue falling in love with Justin Edwards’ game in Lexington. In watching Edwards now, it’s easy to see his roots as mostly a standstill shooter, but over the past several years he’s built out his offensive game brick-by-brick from there. He attacks deliberately and efficiently, ruthlessly punishing defenders 1-on-1 with limited dribbles and mostly within the flow of a halfcourt offense. As he’s grown more comfortable with his handle, he’s become equally adept handling the ball in transition or off ball screens as he is pick-and-popping into space or running the wing in the open floor. His biggest area for growth offensively, and one that’s shown progress in recent months to be fair, would be making plays for teammates as well as he does for himself.

If you’re familiar with Edwards’ off-court approach, it’s no coincidence how his game has developed so consistently each step of the way through high school. One of the hardest workers in the class, it’s easy to see the results on the floor not only his militantly-drilled game but in his intense, whatever-it-takes-to-win demeanor. For as potent a scorer as he is, what makes Edwards such a valued prospect in this class is his ability to impact games in other ways when his shot isn’t falling or his teammates have it going offensively. He’s as comfortable playing up at the ‘4’ (or even ‘5’ at the HS level) while guarding the opposition’s best player as he is crashing the offensive glass as a source for easy points. His multifaceted impact and lack of ego in today’s social media age will be surely be valued by NBA scouts, but should also be key in what’s sure to be a crowded Wildcat lineup when Edwards arrives next fall.

Continued work on his body and handle will determine whether he hits his ceiling as a perimeter initiator or settles in as more of a complementary piece in the long run.