I think he earned those stars by showing a lot of potential. He still has that, but he’s not in high school anymore and he’s really going to have to work extremely hard to eventually be one of the better CBB players at any position (stretch 4 or SF). Expecting that incoming 5-star high school players are going to be the best players at their positions as freshmen in college – or even one of the best – is just not reality all that often. And not coming to grips with what the stars by a high school players name are generally meant to convey (future potential) is where I believe the fan expectation problem often comes.
Well that part is about keeping confidence instilled in him which is a tricky thing to do when you are telling someone their role will be diminished. Could add, you are going to be great but it’s up to you to make that happen as you can see it isn’t easy. It takes hard work, perseverance, a positive can do attitude, and always expecting more of yourself no matter your level of play.
Debatable. Starting him shows the coach still believes in him to be one of the best in the team.
This.
The coach can believe all he wants, but the player is the one who has to do it and he knows that he isn't earning his minutes. He knows that no one else would start him playing as poorly as he is playing. I wouldn't be surprised if he is feeling a level guilt receiving playing time ahead of his teammates who are obviously playing much better. His family, friends and coaches might lie to him about his production, but the stats don't lie.
If he was that he wouldn’t still be on the team right now
Just curious, why do you think he can get there? What do you know about this kid other than the stars he came here with and his performance on the court? From what I have seen, there is more of a reason to believe he will never live up to the hype than to believe he will eventually get there. He doesn't shoot well, he doesn't show exceptional athleticism, and he doesn't handle the ball well. So, exactly what potential are you seeing from Edwards?
Absolutely. Not sure about minutes. I hate to read older people ripping someones son or grandson or granddaughter Etc. Some players develop differently and at different speeds. It takes some kids longer to adapt to the speed of the college game. Hopefully he gets good advice and works hard and doesn’t make a bad decision. In a couple years he can fulfill his dream.
I don't think there is a question if he knows he is under performing and is lacking confidence. Cal simply just doesn't want to pile on that by taking away his starting spot when we already have two bench guys willing to play that role and are doing it well.
I am equally concerned about bad optics. I don't want players believing that Kentucky no longer demands excellence and if you come with enough stars you can start no matter how badly you perform. There is nothing wrong with coaches requiring players to earn their playing time. The NBA won't give playing time based on what players did prior to coming to the NBA.
If a guy can't handle his starting spot taken away because he isn't performing then there are much larger issues with that player and ability to face adversity. It does nothing for Justin to continue to start the games and it actually will get to a point where it can start to hurt his confindence.
Both of you guys have fair criticism, it's just clear what Cal is attempting to do, you don't have to agree with it.
Based on his play this year alone no I would say he will be going pro in something other than sports. That being said there has to be more to his game than what we have seen for him to be projected as one of the top picks in next years draft prior to the beginning of the season. He does have great mechanics on his shot so I think his shooting percentages will improve. His ball handling ability is ok, not elite, but definitely not Whitney level bad. He needs to learn to play with an edge but overall I just think he’s lost as things aren’t coming easy for him probably for the first time ever and he is probably pressing a bit. Game just needs to slow down for him before he can reach his full potential and see what his possibilities are. That’s going to take at least another year in college and maybe 2 more before he’s ready to move on. Nothing wrong with that at all. I like seeing players in college longer anyway. Different time but MJ played 3 years, would love for the college game to get back to that and quit drafting on BS potential because they are tall and can chew gum and dribble at the same time.
No, what we need is a coach with enough humility to admit his mistake and put him on the bench. Edwards would play better and have more fan support coming off the bench.
