7. Anthony Edwards – Georgia
Our surprising run through blue chip prospects continues with Edwards, who was a dynamic prospect in Atlanta before arriving at the college level. A 6’5 guard, he became a very important piece for Tom Crean’s recruiting efforts at Georgia, joining the Bulldogs for the 2019-20 season. Like the last two names on today’s rankings, Edwards spent just a single season in college ball, but he wasted no time in starring at this level.
Edwards had a brilliant campaign, averaging 19.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs. He had a career-high 37 points in a brilliant effort against Michigan State at the Maui Invitational, while later having a 29-point, 15-rebound effort in a win over Texas A&M during conference play. The pandemic shortened Edwards’ only collegiate season, but unfortunately, the Bulldogs were only 16-16 and were not going to be an NCAA Tournament team anyways.
For his efforts, the SEC honored Edwards as the conference’s Rookie of the Year while also placing him on the All-SEC Second Team. He finished the season second in the league in points and was clearly an important piece for the Bulldogs, who really lacked talent outside of him on this squad. He was soon after taken as the first pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, spending the last two seasons starring for the Minnesota Timberwolves.