When will UK’s Justin Edwards have his breakout moment? John Calipari says it’s coming soon.
John Calipari’s weekly radio show Monday night was full of holiday spirit following Kentucky’s rousing CBS Sports Classic win Saturday over North Carolina in Atlanta.
But it also featured some time devoted to talking about one Wildcat who is yet to truly have his headline moment this season.
Freshman Justin Edwards has been a solid contributor through 10 games (all starts), but given preseason projections — some of which had Edwards as the potential No. 1 overall pick in next year’s NBA draft — it’s been a slow start to his college career.
Edwards is averaging 9.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and just under 1 assist per game. He’s shooting 45.1% from the field and 25% from 3-point range.
On Monday, Calipari address the concerns that have come with Edwards’ start to the season.
“Justin was really good today. He’s getting better,” Calipari said. “He’s got to have a little bit of a breakthrough. ... He knows. Like I love coaching him, and he’s going to get there. Sometimes it’s not on our timeline.”
While Edwards hasn’t left the starting lineup yet for Kentucky this season, his time on the floor has been affected by foul trouble on several occasions.
UK’s trip to Philadelphia this month for what became a win over Penn was a homecoming for Edwards, a Philly native. But he played only 14 minutes in that contest, and finished with four fouls.
Edwards’ season-low in minutes came in Saturday’s win over UNC: He played just 13 minutes, but recorded eight points and six rebounds. Edwards didn’t pick up a foul in the win over the Tar Heels, and tied for the team lead in rebounds.
“He should be the best defender on our team, the most active player, who can still score and do stuff,” Calipari said of Edwards. “... He’s got to be that next guy (to break out). I’m telling you, defensively, the only reason he didn’t play more against Carolina is, Cormac (Ryan) got three 3s on him.”
While Edwards hasn’t yet enjoyed the star turn that several of his teammates — freshman or otherwise — have experienced this season, there are still a few more chances for him to break out before SEC play begins in early January.
And Kentucky’s scheduled opponents for the rest of the calendar year also shape up well in this regard.
Thursday night’s matchup at Louisville will pit the Wildcats against the Cardinals, who are ranked No. 175 in KenPom. UK will host current KenPom No. 199, Illinois State, on Dec. 29.
