Justin Edwards is one of three 5-star rated freshmen on the 2023-24 Kentucky basketball roster. However, he’s already getting the most flowers for his potential at the next level.
Despite still over 80 days away from even playing in his first college basketball game, Edwards already has a pro-like game. The small forward will give Kentucky basketball a blend of scoring from all three levels, and pitch in on the glass. He’s a surefire one-and-done player.
And if anything, Edwards is already winning off the court, and in his new truck.
Kentucky freshman Justin Edwards received a brand new Ford F-150 Raptor as part of an NIL deal with Paul Miller Ford in Lexington.
— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) August 10, 2023
MSRP: $76,775
(IG/paulmillerky) pic.twitter.com/3k4iW9COc8
Not all one-and-done guys are fit to be the first overall pick in the NBA Draft. However, 10 months away, the future Kentucky basketball star is viewed as the potential top choice.
Edwards is projected to be selected first overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, according to the latest mock draft by Sam Vecenie of The Athletic. On a team with Antonio Reeves as the only returning double-digit scorer, Edwards has a good chance to either be the number one or two scoring option from day one.
Of course, Edwards isn’t alone. Aaron Bradshaw, DJ Wagner, Rob Dillingham, and Tre Mitchell are all expected to be key contributors for the Wildcats this upcoming season. However, if Edwards lives up to the hype, he has the most NBA-ready game on the UK roster.
While Edwards is getting most of the attention, he isn’t getting all of it. Vecenie is also projecting Wagner to go 22nd overall, and Bradshaw to be drafted 38th. Former Wildcat Bryce Hopkins, who now plays for Providence, is at 40th on Vecenie’s mock.
Without taking too much stock in a mock draft posted in August, it’s interesting to see all three of Kentucky’s five-star freshmen get this much praise. Drafts are often based on potential, but it’ll be important to see how Edwards, Wagner, and Bradshaw all adjust from high school to college.
We still don’t know when they will make their debut, but Kentucky basketball’s first confirmed game is Nov. 14 against Kansas in the Champions Classic.