A’ja Wilson’s praise for South Carolina freshman Joyce Edwards highlights Edwards’ exceptional basketball IQ, patience, and understanding of the game—qualities that typically take years to develop and are often seen at the professional level. Wilson’s comments carry significant weight because she is one of the most dominant players in the WNBA, and her endorsement suggests that Edwards has the potential to follow a similar trajectory.
Key Takeaways:
1. High Basketball IQ & Patience
Wilson emphasized that Edwards’ ability to read defenses and remain patient is rare for a freshman. Most young players rely on athleticism rather than advanced decision-making, but Edwards already demonstrates skills that pros often take years to refine.
2. Comparison to Wilson’s Own Freshman Year
Wilson sees herself in Edwards, particularly because both came off the bench as freshmen under Dawn Staley. The comparison suggests that Edwards, like Wilson, could develop into an elite player.
3. South Carolina’s Development System
Wilson noted that playing under Coach Staley is the best preparation for a professional career. This reinforces the idea that South Carolina’s program is a pipeline for WNBA talent, and Edwards is in the perfect environment to maximize her potential.
4. Strong Performance as a Freshman
Edwards is leading the team in scoring (12.4 PPG) and has been the top scorer in multiple recent games. Her stats closely resemble Wilson’s freshman year, signaling that she is already making an impact at a high level.
5. Homegrown Talent with a Bright Future
Wilson’s final point about Edwards being “a homegrown kid” suggests an added layer of pride in seeing a South Carolina native excel at USC. This makes Edwards’ journey even more special, especially given Wilson’s own path from Columbia to stardom.
Conclusion:
Wilson’s comments signal that Edwards is not just a talented freshman but a future star. With her advanced skills, the right coaching, and a strong supporting cast, Edwards could follow in Wilson’s footsteps and become a top WNBA prospect. Her rapid development and leadership as a first-year player suggest that she is already playing at a near-professional level, making her one of the most exciting young players in college basketball.
