Recovering from a tumultuous freshman season at Kentucky, Justin Edwards is now preparing for the NBA Draft. While he may not have the glamorous draft night he once imagined, Edwards is grateful to have the opportunity to pursue his professional dream. His mother, Ebony Twiggs, a former basketball player herself, understands the challenges of the game at its highest level and has tried to stay out of her son’s way throughout his struggles.
Despite his initial struggles at Kentucky, Edwards’ mother refrained from interfering in his basketball career. She believed it was important for him to navigate his own path and learn from his mistakes. Twiggs trusted that Coach John Calipari had a plan for her son’s development and saw something in him that others may not have.
However, there came a point when Twiggs realized that Edwards needed her intervention. As a highly-touted recruit with high expectations, Edwards struggled mentally as his performance on the court fell short of projections. Twiggs sat him down and reassured him that it was okay to fail and that his family would support him no matter what.
These words of encouragement lifted a weight off Edwards’ shoulders that he didn’t even realize he was carrying. He had been too focused on trying to make it to the NBA and living up to the expectations placed on him. Twiggs reminded him to be himself and play for himself, rather than for others. Hearing this from his mother gave him the confidence he needed to persevere.
Edwards also received support from his teammate, Reed Sheppard, who had been working with a mental health coach since high school. Sheppard noticed Edwards’ struggles and put the two in touch. Having someone like Sheppard in his corner, along with the guidance of a mental coach, made a significant difference in Edwards’ mental well-being.
The pressure and criticism from fans, especially online, had taken a toll on Edwards. He had to learn to ignore the negativity and focus on positive self-talk. As he shifted his mindset and stopped fixating on what others wanted him to be, he began to perform better on the court.
In the latter part of the season, Edwards showed significant improvement. He had several standout performances, scoring high points and shooting at impressive percentages. Coach Calipari commended him for his growth and expressed his pride in Edwards’ resilience.
While Edwards may not be a top pick in the NBA Draft, he remains confident in his abilities. Mock drafts project him to be selected in the second round, but he is determined to prove himself and continue working towards his goals.
Edwards’ journey serves as a reminder that setbacks and struggles can be overcome with the right mindset and support system. Through the challenges he faced, he learned the importance of self-belief and being true to oneself. No matter where he ends up in the draft, Edwards is ready to face the next chapter of his basketball career with renewed confidence.