On Thursday, Kentucky forward Justin Edwards announced his decision to enter the 2024 NBA Draft. Along with his decision, Edwards had a heartfelt message for fans.
“This season, my experience in Lexington, thanks to my coaches, my teammates, and you the fans, has been everything I dreamed it would be,” Edwards wrote. “I am so grateful to have been a part of the legendary Kentucky program, getting to represent the blue and white with everything I have. Thank you to the Wildcat community for embracing me from my arrival and making Kentucky feel like home.
“I need to specifically shout out my family for their unwavering support throughout my journey, which has fueled me every step of the way. To my brothers and teammates, thank you for being there and working alongside me each and every day. To Coach Calipari and the entire coaching staff, thank you for pushing me to be the best version of myself.
“After careful consideration and with a deep appreciation for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had here in Kentucky, I have decided to take a significant step in my basketball career. With much gratitude, I am excited to announce my decision to declare for the NBA Draft.”
Edwards only spent one season with the Wildcats. He averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 48.6% from the field, 36.5% from beyond the arc and 77.6% at the line.
Edwards’ offensive production rapidly ramped up in the final month of the season. After failing to score double figures in a single game in January, Edwards averaged 11.2 points per contest in the final 11 games of the regular season.
In Kentucky’s season-ending loss to Oakland in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Edwards tallied 10 points while shooting 4-9 from the floor. Kentucky fans had little hope for Edwards to return for a second season when he initially committed.
Justin Edwards was a five-star prospect and the No. 2 overall player in the Class of 2023, according to On3 Industry Ratings. In ESPN’s Jonathan Givony’s latest NBA mock draft, he projected Edwards to be the No. 30 overall pick.
Givony predicted Edwards’ fellow Wildcats, Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard, to both be selected in the top 10. Kentucky finished this season with a 23-10 overall record and a 13-5 mark in conference play. Edwards is the first Kentucky underclassman to officially declare for the 2024 NBA Draft.
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