UCLA Bruins
Head Coach Steve Alford and UCLA are also normally in contention for any five-star recruit interested in going out west. And the Bruins have good reason for going after Edwards, despite just about him being really good.
After nearly making the plunge to the NBA Draft last season, Kris Wilkes decided to return. He’s leading the team in scoring and has elevated his draft stock as expected. Anything can happen but odds are good that he’ll depart after this year, leaving a huge hole on the perimeter that Edwards can fill. What happens with sophomore guard Jaylen Hands will be important to watch, as he’s the only proven ball handler on the roster.
Although star freshmen center Moses Brown is expecting to leave along with Wilkes, there will be plenty of good talent returning to the Bruins. Prince Ali will provide that senior leadership, while guards David Singleton and Jules Benard add perimeter depth. Four-star forward Jaime Jaquez leads the current recruiting class added by three-stars Grant Sheffield and Jake Kyman. Then there are redshirt freshmen Shareef O’Neal and Tyger Campbell, who are both out for this season with injuries.
But unless Wilkes does return, UCLA won’t have that definite “go-to” player to lead them offensively next season. Edwards would be that guy who even in just one season, could cement his name in the history of one of the best basketball programs in college basketball. Who knows if he’ll really want to go out west but the Bruins could be the big sleeper in his recruitment.