Feb 15, 2022; Camden, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey speaks with the media at Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Ex-McDonald's All-American Reportedly Signs With Philadelphia 76ers

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jun 28, 2024 12:50 AM ET

Justin Edwards played one season of college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats.

He finished his freshman season with averages of 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest while shooting 48.6% from the field and 36.5% from the three-point range in 32 games.

On Thursday, Edwards was not drafted, but Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that he would sign a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Via Charania: "Kentucky's Justin Edwards has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the 76ers, sources said."

Kentucky's Justin Edwards has agreed to a two-way NBA deal with the 76ers, sources said.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2024

Coming out of high school, Edwards was ranked by ESPN as the third-best player in the country.

He is from Philadelphia and also made the McDonald's All-American Game.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Based on how highly touted he was coming out of high school, the 76ers could be getting an excellent prospect without having to use a draft selection.

Via Sean Paul of Field of 68 Daily: "Former Kentucky forward Justin Edwards is the first top three recruit to go undrafted as far I can find on 247 — back to at least 2003. It’s not pulling up the 99-02 classes, but it’s been over two decades since a top three recruit didn’t get drafted."

Former Kentucky forward Justin Edwards is the first top three recruit to go undrafted as far I can find on 247 — back to at least 2003. It’s not pulling up the 99-02 classes, but it’s been over two decades since a top three recruit didn’t get drafted.
— Sean Paul (@SeanPaulCBB) June 27, 2024

As for the 76ers, they finished the year as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 47-35 record.

After defeating the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament, they lost to Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA playoffs (in six games).

If healthy, the 76ers will be seen as a contender to make the 2025 NBA Finals.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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