Top-75 junior BJ Edwards discusses his six finalists
You walk into a gym and your first watch BJ Edwards play, your first reaction will likely be an ‘ooh’ or an ‘ah’ all due to the skillset the 6-foot-2 guard out of Knoxville Catholic showcases.
Brian Edwards Jr, the crafty-elite guard out of Knoxville, Tennessee. He plays his AAU basketball with the B Maze Elite program, where he’s coached by Bobby Maze. Edwards provides almost everything and doesn’t lack any sort of size at his position.
He posted 19 points per game along with seven assists and six rebounds during his sophomore season. Leading the offensive unit, he catapulted his team to a 25-4 record which included a victory in the state championship game. Despite not being labeled as a knockdown shooter, Edwards has been efficient from three-point land and it gives him major upside offensively
Edwards discussed his finalists with Stockrisers.com. Plus, he gives what will be the first commitment timeline we’ve received from him.
First off, how has your game improved this season?
“My game has improved a lot this season I have been working on my three-point shot a lot which creates many opportunities for getting to the basket easier. Also just working on attacking and drawing that fou and getting to the free-throw line for easier points. Also through all of this, I am making sure I am making my teammates around me better and get them easier buckets and just have that lesser role.”
Now, your finalists, you still talk to all of the programs on your list?
“Yes, I’m still talking to all finalists whether it’s through text or call I talk to at least every school 2-3 times a week.”
Commitment timeline?
”I plan on committing my senior year in September or October."
Tennessee, the hometown program, what are your thoughts on the Volunteers?
“I like Coach [Rick] Barnes a lot, especially the way he keeps his guys in check. Great player development and preparation for the next level. A coach that really loves his guys and treats them like family.”
How about Wake Forest? Steve Forbes formerly a coach in the Tennessee area.
“Coach Forbes is a really good guy and I’ve known him for a long time. I like how he lets his players rock and free play on the offensive side. Also how he runs 2-3 point guards on the court at one time is another thing I like because that’s a whole lotta leadership and IQ on the floor. Lastly, one of Coach Forbes’ sayings is “I recruit offense and teach defense,“ this has stuck with me a lot and I like how he phrased that.”
What about Vanderbilt and Jerry Stackhouse? They’re another local option.
“Coach [Jerry] Stackhouse has been there and done that. What I mean is the NBA, McDonald’s All-American, all the things I want to do in life. He knows what it takes and I feel as if he can push me to get there. Vanderbilt is a good program and I have a good relationship with him and Coach Faragi.”
Virginia Tech has been impressive this season. Thoughts on Mike Young’s program?
“Coach [Mike] Young and Giltner are two very good guys. I like VT, they run the floor and get fast-break opportunities and they can get in sets and get great looks as well. I like how Coach Young coaches, he really is good at what he does.”
Back to the SEC, what are your thoughts on Mike White and the Florida Gators?
“Coach [Mike] White and Pinkins are really cool guys I like them a lot. The way Florida runs and locks up on the defensive side is what I like about them. They have a lot of guard play and I could fit right in with that I feel like. They develop their players for the next level and you can’t go wrong with that.”
Last but not least, Georgia and Tom Crean, what are your thoughts on the Bulldogs?
“Coach [Tom] Crean has coached a lot of NBA players and has the experience. Georgia is a great program and they can get out on the break and get quick points which is something I’m good at. Also, Coach Crean develops his players into NBA caliber players and knows what it takes so you can’t go wrong there.”