After a primary spectacular season in Kentucky, Justin Edwards revealed this week that he’s formally declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft. As soon as thought-about a possible high decide, he nonetheless selected to attempt to go skilled regardless of a decline in his draft inventory all through this marketing campaign.
The younger participant introduced his choice with a put up on his private Instagram account, sharing his most up-to-date profession replace. “Large Blue Nation,” he begins off. “This season, my expertise in Lexington, because of my coaches, my teammates, and also you the followers, has been the whole lot I dreamed it might be.”
“I’m so grateful to have been part of the legendary Kentucky program, attending to characterize the blue and white with the whole lot I’ve. Thanks to the Wildcat neighborhood for embracing me from my arrival and making Kentucky really feel like house,” he wrote.
Kentucky freshman Justin Edwards declares for the NBA draft 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hxA12r3FF1
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) April 4, 2024
Edwards then devoted some phrases to those that’ve supported him: “I have to particularly shout out my household for his or her unwavering assist all through my journey, which has fueled me each step of the best way. To my brothers and teammates, thanks for being there and dealing alongside me each immediately. To Coach Calipari and the complete teaching workers, thanks for pushing me to be one of the best model of myself.”
“After cautious consideration and with a deep appreciation for the alternatives and experiences I’ve had right here in Kentucky, Have determined to take a major step in my basketball profession. With a lot gratitude, I’m excited to announce my choice to declare for the NBA Draft,” his put up concludes.
The 19-year-old didn’t point out the potential of returning to Kentucky in case he doesn’t make it to the NBA, suggesting that he would most likely stay within the 2024 draft pool.
With this choice, Justin has change into the second Wildcat participant to announce his basketball plans this marketing campaign, as Adou Theiro just lately determined for the switch portal with the intention of coming into the NBA Draft. Nonetheless, he did point out he would contemplate returning to Kentucky to play his junior season.
Faculty basketball world reacts with out shock to Kentucky star’s announcement to go skilled
Whereas most followers have proven their assist for the freshman star, others doubt his possibilities within the Draft as they consider he hasn’t developed his full potential in school basketball.
An account on X referred to as Tyler B summed up what most Wildcat followers really feel. “No shock. Seen it with BJ Boston and Chris Livingston. It’s the tradition created. It’s why they arrive to UK. Wished UK had the strategy of those different applications. When you’re not a assured 1st rd decide I don’t perceive why you don’t come again. DJ will probably be subsequent,” he wrote on social media.
“It’s a disgrace school basketball has gotten to this. Won’t ever get a child to purchase in to any college when it’s 100% assure they know they’re one and carried out, regardless of how they preformed. Good job not pushing children out the door,” one other tweeted.
In his first marketing campaign in Kentucky, Edwards produced averages of 8.8 factors whereas capturing 48.6% from the sphere, 36.5% from past the arc, and 77.6% from the free-throw line, plus 3.4 rebounds per contest throughout 30 out of 32 video games for the Wildcats.
