“I kept saying, ‘You can break through, I believe in you,'” John Calipari said of Justin Edwards. “He said, “Coach, I believe in you.” And I said, “Keep going.” ”
However, staying the course is easier said than done. If you’re the top-ranked recruit in Kentucky’s top-ranked recruiting class and projected to be a potential No. 1 draft pick, when things don’t go perfectly to open up your college basketball career. , it’s easy to wrap your head around it.
Edwards scored in double figures in six of his first eight games and averaged more than four rebounds per game during that span, but was limited to just 10.3 points per game. After that, he failed to reach double digits in 11 of 12 games and played less than 20 minutes in seven games, most notably a nine-minute scoreless game against Arkansas on January 27th. Ta.
The former five-star recruit was unable to make any progress and was clearly having a mental breakdown. Freshman teammate Reed Sheppard saw his decline and decided to intervene before he left. Really I turned my nose down and recommended the same mental health help he was receiving.
This opens the door for Edwards to continue his efforts, hoping to take some of the weight off his shoulders.
“Reid introduced me to a mental health coach and we’ve been talking. And I’ve been reading books about mental health,” he said. “It feels really good to be free and just play and feel better mentally. … (I) learned not to have negative thoughts and to always have positive thoughts.” Now, please speak positively.”
Edwards’ mental breakthrough paved the way for a breakthrough on the court, as he exploded for 28 points on perfect 10-for-10 shooting and 4-for-4 from 3-point range in a 117-95 win over Alabama. Added rebounds, two assists, and two steals. The 6-8 freshman made shots, attacked the glass, defended and put together his best all-around performance by a mile.
Shepard was always watching. that For him, all he had to do to make it happen was to believe in himself.
“I think that helped him a lot, and I hope so. I’m lucky to have this guy. He helps me be positive and stay positive no matter what.” “He helped me have a positive voice and a positive mindset about everything. That really helped,” Shepherd said of sharing a mental health coach with Edwards. “I knew Justin wasn’t doing it on purpose, he was just having a hard time. I was wondering if he could talk to someone and if someone could talk to him about staying positive. Please, I knew.
“Keep going, don’t give up, don’t take away his joy, find a way. I’m really happy he’s finally turned the page and I’m so proud of him.”
And it’s not like Edwards is a total rookie. This has always been in him and that’s why his coaches and teammates have never given up on him. When he plays freely and confidently, genuine Justin Edwards It comes out and shines. We finally got to see the game against Alabama with our own eyes.
“He doesn’t think about anything, he just goes out and plays basketball. Justin Edwards Really good basketball player. You’ve known this for years,” Shepard said. “Every time he steps on the court, he just plays and has fun. That’s what I tell him, I just look at him and tell him to smile. It’s kind of a joke we have with each other. And when one of us isn’t smiling, the other one tells us to smile.
“Enjoy it without losing the fun of playing basketball.”
Edwards finally seized the moment. Now he wants others who are fighting for them to find it in themselves just like he did – no matter how long it takes and no matter how dark the circumstances. too.
There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
“Stay the course, you know? The rain won’t last forever,” he said. “Stay on track and have faith in God.”
