South Bound & Down
Fansided

SEC Basketball: Looking at the finalists for five-star SF Justin Edwards

By Matt Melton

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 17: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the first half against the Saint Peter's Peacocks during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 17, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 17: Head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts in the first half against the Saint Peter's Peacocks during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 17, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

One of the nation’s top players in the 2023 class, Justin Edwards is set to announce his commitment on Monday, July 25 between two SEC Basketball teams – Kentucky and Tennessee.

A five-star prospect, Edwards is considered as the No. 1 overall small forward in the 2023 class, as well as a top five player nationally. Attending Imhotep Charter, Edwards is also considered as the No. 1 player in the state of Pennsylvania, and holds offers from over 20 collegiate programs.

A talented wing at 6-foot-7, Edwards as mentioned previously is set to announce his commitment on Monday, July 25 between either the Wildcats or Volunteers. Taking a look at those two programs, what would the potential addition of Edwards mean for both Kentucky and Tennessee?

Looking at the SEC Basketball finalists for five-star SF Justin Edwards

Kentucky Wildcats

Beginning with Kentucky, the potential addition of Edwards would be a big one for the Wildcats. Should that happen as well, it would continue what is shaping up to be a special 2023 class for the Wildcats and head coach John Calipari.

Currently holding SEC Basketball’s top 2023 class, the potential addition of Edwards would give Kentucky not only their third commitment of the cycle, but also their third five-star prospect as well, joining guards Robert Dillingham and Reed Sheppard.

As for the fit with the Wildcats, Edwards would likely be a day one starter in Lexington at the small forward position. Speaking of that previously mentioned trio as well, Edwards would only add to what could be one of the SEC’s most talented and deepest guard/wing combos in 2023.

Tennessee Volunteers

Should Edwards commit to Tennessee however, the five-star would undoubtedly be a massive pickup for the Volunteers as well. Why you ask? Well for one, Edwards would become one of, if not the, highest-rated recruits to ever commit to Tennessee.

Edwards would also be a likely day one starter with the Volunteers, as well as the potential overall focal point for Tennessee on the offensive end in 2023-24. Not to mention the potential addition of Edwards would be a significant one for the Volunteers roster-wise, as Tennessee could potentially lose two key wings in both Josiah-Jordan James and Julian Phillips to the NBA at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.

Next. Revisiting the 2014-15 Kentucky Wildcats. dark

Tennessee has landed at-least one five-star prospect in each of their last four recruiting classes as well. Could they possibly make it five straight with Edwards?

Home/SEC Basketball