Anthony Edwards, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound guard who formerly attended D.M. Therrell High School and spent his lone college season at the University of Georgia, is the No. 1 draft pick for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Known affectionately as “Antman,” Edwards, 19, was selected as the NBA No. 1 draft pick during a virtually televised ceremony on Nov. 18, making him Georgia’s biggest recruit since Dominique Wilkins, an Atlanta Hawks basketball legend and nine-time NBA All Star.
Described as a “huge and explosive talent,” Edwards averaged 19.1 points per game last season as a freshman, led all Division 1 freshman in scoring, and was also named SEC (Southeastern Conference) Freshman of the Year.
Octavius Harris, principal of Ralph J. Bunche Middle School, met Edwards as a fourth grader and coached him while he attended Therrell High School. Harris recalled that as a young student athlete, Edwards had undeniable talent. While at Jean Childs Middle School, Edwards led the basketball team to back-to-back championships.
Even as a high school freshman, Harris says Edwards had NBA potential.
“When I became the assistant principal at Therrell, I often trained Anthony and his brother, Antony, outside of regular practice times. During Anthony’s sophomore year, I stepped in as head coach. It was an awesome year with an awesome group of kids,” Harris said. “I would always tell him it’s not about the destination; it’s about the process. He deserves this. His family deserves this. This is only the beginning.”
Analysts have long praised Edwards’ sharp long-range shooting touch, an ability to score off the dribble and a nose for driving to the basket.
Prior to becoming this year’s No. 1 NBA draft pick, Edwards lost two of the most important people in his life – his mother and grandmother – to cancer when he was 14 years old.
Despite the loss, Edwards has persevered. Profoundly aware of his blessings, Edwards acknowledges that he wouldn’t be who he is today without the love and support of his entire family.
“It’s an indescribable feeling,” Edwards said after his selection was announced. “I can’t even describe it. My family is emotional right now. I feel like when I get off here, I’m going to get emotional. I’m just blessed beyond measure to be in this situation.”
