Justin Edwards Named to Julius Erving Award Watch List

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – Kentucky freshman Justin Edwards was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s preseason watch list for the 2024 Julius Erving Award on Wednesday. Named after the Naismith Hall of Famer and ABA and NBA icon, the award is in its 10th year.

Ranked as high as No. 3 in the 2023 recruiting class, Edwards was the MaxPreps Pennsylvania High School Player of the Year after helping lead Imhotep Charter to a state championship where he scored 19 points in the championship game. Edwards averaged 17.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game for nationally ranked Imhotep Charter. He was a McDonald’s All American and the Co-MVP of the Iverson Classic. The Philadelphia native averaged 14.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game en route to helping the Wildcats win gold at the GLOBL JAM this summer.

Edwards was tabbed a first-team All-Southeastern Conference preseason pick last week.

The freshman is one of 20 candidates on the list for best small forward in college basketball. Edwards is the third Wildcat to be recognized this week. D.J. Wagner was among the list for the candidates for the Bob Cousy Award, while Antonio Reeves was tabbed to the Jerry West preseason watch list. Only Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht is also on the list for early candidates for the Erving award among SEC schools.

Fans are encouraged to participate in voting in each of the three rounds for the Naismith awards. In late January, all of the lists will be narrowed down to 10 players and five in February. Winners will be announced at a to be determined date.

The Cats will play exhibition contests against Georgetown College on Oct. 27 and Kentucky State on Nov. 2 at Rupp Arena with both games tipping off at 7 p.m. Kentucky’s season-opener is on Nov. 6 against New Mexico State with an 8 p.m. tip.

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