Where Did Anthony Edwards Play College Basketball? His Path to the NBA
One of the most exciting young players in the NBA today is Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards. The young star has made Minnesota one of the top title contenders in the NBA’s Western Conference with his dynamic scoring and playmaking, drawing comparisons to other great shooting guards of the past like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
While Edwards is becoming increasingly known across the sporting world for his NBA exploits, his collegiate time isn’t quite as well known. You may be able to stump a lot of fans if you ask them, “Where did Anthony Edwards play college basketball?”
A few factors contribute to the lack of knowledge about Edwards’ college career: its length, the fact that he didn’t go to a traditional college basketball powerhouse, and the coronavirus pandemic.
Let’s dig into Anthony Edwards’ college time to learn more about this up-and-coming superstar.
Where Did Anthony Edwards Play College Basketball?
Edwards was a highly sought-after prospect after playing at Holy Spirit Prep in Atlanta. Originally from Atlanta, Edwards earned McDonald’s All-American honors as a senior in high school and decided to stay near home by committing to the University of Georgia.
While the Bulldogs play in the Southeastern Conference, they aren’t a traditional college basketball power, but Edwards wanted to play in his home state. His commitment to the program was a big boost for then-coach Tom Crean, who was trying to make Georgia an NCAA Tournament squad.
Edwards didn’t disappoint, opening his collegiate career with 24 points, nine rebounds, and four steals in a win over Western Carolina in the 2019-20 season opener. It was the most points by a Georgia freshman in his debut since the 1979-80 season, when future Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins scored 26.
Edwards made his mark on national television at the Maui Invitational, facing the No. 3 team in the country, Michigan State. The Bulldogs trailed by as many as 28 points in the contest, but the freshman nearly led his team back, finishing with 37 points, six rebounds, four steals, three blocks and two assists. Georgia lost 93-85, but anyone around the country who didn’t know about Edwards before was shown how good he could be.
Edwards Shines Throughout Freshman Season
Anthony Edwards’ college stats were impressive throughout his lone season at Georgia. He finished third in the Southeastern Conference in scoring (19.5 points per game), fifth in 3-pointers (2.3 per game), and 16th in playing time (33.0 minutes per game).
Edwards was the leader for the Bulldogs despite being just a freshman. He led the team in scoring, steals (1.3 per game), blocks (0.6 per game), and minutes. He scored in double figures in 27 games, scoring at least 20 points 14 times and at least 30 points three times. He also notched three double-doubles.
Unfortunately, Edwards’ outstanding play didn’t lead to as many wins as the Bulldogs and the college basketball betting lines would have liked. Georgia finished 15-16 in the 2019-20 regular season, including a 5-13 record in conference play that left the team in 13th place in the 14-school conference.
But March Madness gives every team a second chance, and the Bulldogs looked like a dangerous team in the SEC tournament, blowing out Ole Miss in the opening round. This was despite Edwards shooting just 2-of-13 from the field, including 1-of-9 from 3-point range, and finishing with only six points. His first chance to help people learn where did Anthony Edwards go to college had not been a star-making performance.
A potential Cinderella run through the conference tournament behind one of the most dynamic players in college basketball was certainly something on everyone’s mind until COVID-19 hit. The Bulldogs’ second SEC tournament game – the entire conference tournament and the rest of the college basketball season – was canceled due to the pandemic. Edwards’ poor performance against Ole Miss would be the final game of his freshman campaign – and his collegiate career.
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How Many Years Did Anthony Edwards Play At Georgia?
Edwards was also thought to be a one-and-done candidate, and it is unknown how much the pandemic played into his decision to leave college after just one season. That he had a chance to be the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft was more of a factor. That and the opportunity for an Anthony Edwards shoe deal would add to his riches at the next level.
Edwards’ athletic ability and scoring talent made him a top NBA prospect. No NBA scout asked what college Anthony Edwards attended because they’d all been to his games.
While the Bulldogs’ team success was lacking, the Anthony Edwards college stats stood out to scouts, who saw the high-flying Edwards as the next Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. The Minnesota Timberwolves held the top pick in the draft and were sold on Edwards becoming their next superstar.
On March 20, 2020, Edwards declared for the NBA Draft, ending his time in college. Many people are aware of his great play in the NBA but often ask where Anthony Edwards played college basketball simply because they weren’t introduced to him in the postseason. Conference tournaments and the NCAA Tournament are great showcases for players that the casual fan hasn’t seen during the season, and Edwards could not participate in either.
It may be a trivia question someday as Edwards’ NBA profile grows and grows. Many star players in the NBA have a simple answer in fans’ minds regarding their NCAA school since they are seen repeatedly.
But Edwards played just one season on the collegiate level at a non-traditional power school like Georgia. And he was unable to make the Bulldogs into a national title threat.
So, for many fans, what college Anthony Edwards attended is a difficult question to answer. But now you know, so you can be the basketball fan that impresses everyone by knowing the answer.
