High school star Edwards among South Carolina newbies seeking a place
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Joyce Edwards has started what might be her most challenging task yet — finding where the Mcdonald’s All-american and third-rated prospect in the country fits in for defending national champion South Carolina.
Edwards, at 6-foot-3, is considered the latest centerpiece post player the Gamecocks have developed into national champions that includes WNBA champion A’ja Wilson, last year’s WNBA rookie of the year in Aliyah Boston and this spring’s first-round draft pick in Kamilla Cardoso. Is Edwards ready for that legacy? “That’s a good question,” Edwards said Tuesday, several weeks into summer workouts. “I really think it’s one day at a time. That’s my mindset.”
Edwards has been a focal point of any team she’s with. She was a CO-MVP along with No. 1-ranked prospect Sarah Strong in the East’s Mcdonald’s All-american game blowout back in April.
Edwards was MVP for the U.S. U18 team that won the FIBA Americup gold medal last month. These days, she’s going against rising junior Ashlyn Watkins each session on the court and learning each practice what she must do to have an impact.
The Gamecocks lost almost no one, outside of Cardoso, from the team that went 38-0 and became the first undefeated NCAA Tournament championship winner in eight seasons.
The post is particularly packed with
Watkins — who has had the only two dunks during games in South Carolina history — along with fourth year player Sania Feagin and 6-5 Sakima Walker, a reserve on last year’s championship team.
Edwards will have to compete for time with 6-2 Chloe Kitts, a rising junior whose versatility was essential to the perfect season, and sophomore Adhel Tac, a 6-5 player who joined South Carolina at midseason to finish rehabbing an injured knee.
Edwards understands the struggle she could have finding her spot. After all, Wilson started one game her freshman season in 2014-15, although she averaged better than 20 minutes an appearance and averaged 13 points and 6.6 rebounds off the bench.
“I’m OK with that,” Edwards said with smile. “I know other people are going to have their own opinion about coming in with all this hype.
“I know other people are going to have expectations of me,” she continued, “But it doesn’t matter.”
Edwards may be selling herself short. Another newcomer, Arkansas transfer Maryam Dauda, said Edwards has held her ground with the more experienced Watkins and Feagin. “She does not look like a freshman,” Dauda said.
Dauda, among three first-year players this fall, is a 6-4 junior who brings Southeastern Conference experience having started 35 games last season for the Razorbacks. Dauda led her team in field goal percentage, blocked shots and offensive rebounds.