Tag: Georgia bball

Former Georgia star Anthony Edwards named Western Conference Rookie of the Month

Former Georgia basketball star Anthony Edwards, the No. 1 pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2020 NBA Draft, has earned rookie honors.

Former Georgia guard Anthony Edwards, the No.1 pick of the 2020. NBA Draft, was a man on a mission during the month of March.

After leading all rookies with 24.2 points per game in March to go along with 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals over 13 games, the Minnesota Timberwolves rising star was named the Western Conference’s Player of the Month.

Edwards’ 24.2 points per game in March rank third all-time in a calendar month by a player under 20 in NBA history. He trailed only Carmelo Anthony (27.1) and LeBron James (26.3) (min. 10 games).

He was also the only rookie to average over 20 points last month. Additionally, he led all rookies in total points (314), made field goals (116), total three-pointers (34) and minutes per game (35.1).

Edwards has recorded a steal in every game since February 24, putting him at 16 consecutive games with at least one tally in the stat column. That’s the longest active streak in the league.

Anthony Edwards becomes third youngest with 40+ points in NBA history

Former Georgia basketball G Anthony Edwards joins elite company, becoming third youngest in NBA history to score 40+ points.

Former Georgia basketball guard Anthony Edwards continued his incredible rookie season in the NBA last night with a cold-blooded 42 point career-high performance.

Edwards finished his night on 15/31 shooting and added another 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in the Timberwolves 123 – 119 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Complimenting Edwards’ big night was Minnesota’s center Karl-Anthony Towns, who had 41 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists himself.

Edwards is now the third youngest player in NBA history to score 40+ points in a game.  The only younger players to reach the mark? Kevin Durant and Lebron James.

I’d say Edwards looks quite comfortable in the league, keeping himself in the company of some all-time greats.

The T-Wolves are now 10-31 and sit in last place in the Western Conference.  Edwards currently leads all rookies in points-per-game with 16.8.

Anthony Edwards scores career-high 34 points, has message for doubters

Former Georgia basketball star Anthony Edwards put on a career-high performance, scoring 34 points in a Minnesota Timberwolves victory.

Former Georgia basketball superstar Anthony Edwards set another career-high in points this Sunday night, dropping his new best of 34 in a Minnesota Timberwolves 114 – 112 win over the Portland Trailblazers.

The game stayed close for its entirety, the biggest lead for either team in the first three quarters being just six points.  In the fourth quarter Edwards had a collision with Trailblazers center Enes Kanter which caused him to miss some time.  He then checked in and went off, going for 13 points in the fourth including an explosive dunk to give Minnesota a 10-point lead.

Watch:

Edwards has now scored at least 19 points in his last seven games, beginning to silence the doubters who believe the T-wolves should’ve taken LaMelo Ball with the first pick.

“To talk about who they should have took No. 1, they took me. It’s over. It’s nothing to talk about. On to the next. We’re trying to win basketball games at this point. Whoever is still talking about that, they can just kick rocks, I guess.”

This is what last year’s No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft had to say when talking to reporters about the comparisons to him and Ball.

The Timberwolves are now 2-6 under new coach Chris Finch and have won two of their past three games.  The grass is starting to turn greener in Minnesota, and it all starts with the spark that is Anthony Edwards.

Former Georgia star Anthony Edwards struggles in Timberwolves loss

Former Georgia star Anthony Edwards did not have his best game against the Bucks.

After going viral earlier this week thanks to a massive dunk, which was followed with a hilarious postgame interview, former Georgia basketball star Anthony Edwards is beginning to look like he was worthy of being the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Last night, though, in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, Edwards struggled. He shot just 3/13 (3/8 3PT) and had 4 turnovers while scoring just 9 points in 28 minutes. Minnesota would lose the game 139-112.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etrtycyQpfI

The Timberwolves rookie has had a solid first year, posting an average of 4.1 points per game, but he had his best showing to date last week against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Versus Los Angeles, Edwards put up 28 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal while shooting 5/10 from deep.

Anthony Edwards has impressive game against Lebron James and Lakers

Former Georgia basketball star Anthony Edwards goes for a career night against Lebron James and Lakers in their second career matchup.

Two No. 1 overall NBA Draft selections went at it Tuesday night in a very exciting matchup.  Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers got the best of former Georgia guard Anthony Edwards and his Minnesota Timberwolves, but not without a fight.

Edwards, who was selected first overall by the Timberwolves in the 2020 NBA Draft, put on a show against arguably the greatest basketball player to ever walk the planet, dropping a career-high 28 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and 1 steal.

Midway through the third quarter, tied up at 68 a piece, Edwards lined up James and cashed a three pointer right in his grill to put Minnesota up three.  You could see Edwards’ excitement oozing out of him after hitting a shot most kids can only dream of.

WATCH:

Lebron closed the gap and took care of business, winning by a score of 112-104.  He finished with 30 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists on 65% shooting.

Edwards is playing very well so far, averaging 14.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists.  He still trails fellow rookie LaMelo Ball, who leads all rookies in points, rebounds and assists per game.  Edwards is currently second in rookie points per game, trailing Ball by just a mere .05 points.

Georgia basketball off to best start since 1982-83 Final Four team

Tom Crean and the Georgia men’s basketball team are off to an impressive 7-0 season start.

The Georgia men’s basketball team is off to its best start since the 1982-83 Final Four team.  The Dawgs have come out hot in 2020, winning seven games straight to put them at 7-0.

Head coach Tom Crean is now in his third season with the Bulldogs and is already completely shifting the culture of Georgia basketball.  He recruited Anthony Edwards, who went No. 1 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft and now has Georgia undefeated so far in 2020.

Crean is showcasing a very balanced roster of talent, having five players average ten or more points.  Sophomore forward Toumani Camara is leading the charge for the Dawgs in the stat book, averaging 14.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.  He is also shooting the ball efficiently at 52.9%.

Senior guard Justin Kier is finding his role and stepping up big for the Bulldogs, averaging 12 points on 48.1% shooting, 4.8 rebounds and 4 assists through seven games.

So far, the Dawgs have beat Florida A&M, North Georgia, Jacksonville, Montana, Samford, Cincinnati and Northeastern.  This is definitely the easier portion of their schedule, as they have a full slate of SEC matchups coming up that will put them to the test.

Georgia will face the 5-3 Mississippi State Bulldogs next on Dec. 30.  ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives UGA a 45.7% chance of coming out on top in that game.

Georgia’s Anthony Edwards goes No. 1 in latest 2020 NBA mock draft

Georgia basketball SG Anthony Edwards is projected to be selected first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Star Georgia shooting guard Anthony Edwards declared for the NBA draft this past September, following an absolutely electric freshman year at UGA.

Edwards averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists for the Dawgs during the 2019-2020 season.  He has been in the talks of being a top three pick in the draft this year, along with Memphis center James Wiseman and the Illawarra Hawks point guard LaMelo Ball.

In NBC’s final version of its 2020 NBA Mock Draft Edwards goes No. 1 overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

NBC’s Top 5:

  • 5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Obi Toppin (Dayton, PF)
  • 4. Chicago Bulls: Deni Avdija (Maccabi Tel Aviv, SG/SF)
  • 3. Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball (Illawarra Hawks, PG/SG)
  • 2. Golden State Warriors: James Wiseman (Memphis, C)
  • 1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards (Georgia, SG)

There isn’t quite a consensus on who is the best of these three but Edwards, Ball and Wiseman present the biggest upside in the draft.

Here’s what NBC’s Tyler Byrum and Chase Hughes had to say about Edwards going No. 1 over the other two prospects:

Despite all the momentum for LaMelo Ball to be the first pick, we are sticking with Edwards who presents a super high ceiling due to his explosive athleticism and makes a perfect fit within the core Minnesota is building around. Fit often doesn’t determine the first overall pick, but it may in a year like this with little separating the top three guys. Edwards could be an ideal complement to Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell as a slasher on the wing.

Edwards would fit in with Minnesota very well.  They have their stars in point guard D’Angelo Russell and center Karl Anthony Towns but could use some serious help at the shooting guard position.

Edwards would provide the Timberwolves with a great wing threat that could add a whole new aspect to their offensive scheme.

If Edwards is to go No.1, he will be the first Georgia Bulldog to ever do so.  The closest to that accomplishment are Kentavious Caldwell-Pope at the No. 8 pick in 2013 and Dominique Wilkins at the No. 3 pick in 1982.

The 2020 NBA Draft begins tonight at 7:00 P.M. ET on ESPN.

Anthony Edwards projected to go No. 3 in 2020 NBA mock draft

Georgia G Anthony Edwards is projected by Rookie Wire to go No. 3 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft to the Charlotte Hornets.

The 2019-20 NBA season came to a close this October as the Los Angeles Lakers were crowned champions of the world for a record tying 17th time.  With the end of last season here, now it’s time for teams to focus on the future and look towards the ever so close 2020 NBA Draft.

Starting just last week, team personnel have been allowed to visit potential draft prospects in their hometowns in order to make evaluations.

For the first time in seven years, the Georgia Bulldogs have a lottery pick in the mix.  Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who just won his first title with the Lakers, was selected 8th overall in 2013 by the Detroit Pistons.

Rookie Wire released their 2020 NBA Mock Draft 6.0 earlier this Thursday, giving great insight as to what teams are thinking based on their draft position and needs.

Of that list of 60 picks, Anthony Edwards is projected to go No. 3 overall to the Charlotte Hornets.

The list has two superstars in front of Edwards in the NBL’s LaMelo Ball going No. 1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Iowa State’s Tyrese Haliburton going No. 2 to the Golden State Warriors.

Here’s what Rookie Wire had to say about Edwards and the fit in Charlotte:

“The Charlotte Hornets need a bona fide star on their roster, and that kind of potential is exactly what Anthony Edwards offers.

The 19-year-old wing is someone whose teams have been built around him, boasting an absurdly high usage rate through AAU and college competition. But the Hornets can give him the keys to the team as their franchise alpha, riding with the highs and letting the lows be learning experiences for his development.

During his freshman year at Georgia, his scoring output increased as the season progressed. He scored extremely well within five feet of the rim, and he can be an above-average defender by virtue of his athleticism alone.”

Many experts see Edwards going No. 1 or No. 2 behind Ball but the fit does seem right in Charlotte.  They’ve had a lack in scoring for years, especially now that Kemba Walker is no longer with them.

Edwards averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in his one season at Georgia.

The 2020 Draft is scheduled for November 18th and will be aired live on ESPN.

Georgia basketball lands forward PJ Horne, its third graduate transfer

Georgia basketball has secured Virginia Tech graduated transfer PF PJ Horne for the upcoming 2020 season.

Tom Crean has landed yet another transfer to play for Georgia in 2020.

PJ Horne, a graduate transfer from Virginia Tech, has decided to take his talents to Athens and join the Georgia Bulldogs.

Horne is originally from Tifton, Georgia, and was the No. 208 overall player in the 2017 class, according to 247Sports.

Horne, the 6-foot-6, 230 pound power forward, averaged 7.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last season with the Hokies.

Only six UGA players are returning from the 2019 season, which has left a lot of work for Crean in the recruiting department.

Just a week prior to Horne choosing the Dawgs, Andrew Garcia, a shooting guard graduate transfer from Stony Brook University in Long Island, New York, signed with Georgia.

April 26th was the day of the first graduate transfer signing for Georgia with George Mason University transfer shooting guard Justin Kier putting pen to paper.

The Dawgs now have eight new faces joining the roster.  That’s more players than are currently on the team. Five of those eight will be incoming freshman, along with the three graduate transfers.

UGA now has the No. 29 recruiting class in the country, and No. 8 class in the SEC.  You can view the full list of Georgia basketball’s 2020 recruiting class here.

Georgia basketball rounds out 2020 recruiting class with graduate transfer SG

Tom Crean and Georgia basketball round out the 2020 recruiting class with graduate transfer SG.

It was announced Wednesday that Tom Crean has rounded out his massive 2020 Georgia men’s basketball recruiting class of seven players.

Only six UGA players are returning from the 2019 season, leaving a big hole to fill for Crean’s Bulldogs. Anthony Edwards and Rayshaun Hammonds are two players that will not be returning, as both are headed to the NBA Draft.

The newest addition to the 2020 freshman class is Andrew Garcia, a shooting guard graduate transfer from Stony Brook University in Long Island, New York.

Garcia stands at 6-foot-5, 228 pounds and could be a very nice addition to the Dawgs’ young team.  He averaged 13.4 points per game for Stony Brook last season.

Garcia seems to be the full package and has lots of collegiate experience under his belt. He has a big frame for a shooting guard, can drive and finish strongly, can shoot the three, and can defend and block shots exceptionally well.

Crean sought out a great ball players that will most definitely help Georgia next season. It will be interesting to see how Garcia does in the SEC compared to the American East Conference that Stony Brook plays in.

Watch Garcia’s redshirt junior season highlights here: