What the Addition of Transfer Jesse Edwards Means for West Virginia

Since the blocked shot became an official stat in 1985, there has never been a player in West Virginia basketball history to have averaged over 10 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks per game in a single season.

It just so happens that Syracuse transfer Jesse Edwards, who committed to WVU Sunday, achieved that goal with flying colors a season ago. The former Orange big man averaged 14.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, & 2.7 blocks per game, ultimately leading to All-ACC Third Team and All-Defense honors.

Seemingly since Sagaba Konate left, head coach Bob Huggins has been searching for someone who can protect the rim at an elite level. It was a major problem at times this past season and was certainly an issue the year prior. Another big problem that Edwards would solve if he chooses WVU is his ability to score it down low. How many times did we see one a big aimlessly throw a shot up before squaring their shoulders up to the basket? Way too often. Edwards can fix that.

But that's enough from an outsider's perspective. How about we get some insight from someone who has covered him over the last four years? Here is a full scouting report, courtesy of our friend Mike McAllister over at All Syracuse on Sports Illustrated/FanNation.

STRENGTHS

Jesse Edwards has great size and length and combines that with strong footwork. In addition, he has a good feel for the game that allows him to be successful in a variety of ways. Offensively, Edwards has soft hands that have improved each season at Syracuse. When he came to SU, he really struggled to hang on to passes in order to have a chance to finish at the rim. That has become a strength of his over the last two seasons. Edwards also has good touch around the rim, can play out of the low post, and moves very well without the ball. His footwork and basketball IQ allow him to get good position in order to rebound the ball at a high rate. Defensively, Edwards has great shot-blocking instincts and is a high-quality rim protector.

AREAS TO IMPROVE

There are still times when Edwards has a tendency to foul too much by reaching or lunging instead of going straight up as a defender. That has hurt his ability to stay on the floor at times but did improve quite a bit last season. Edwards can also get stronger. When he most struggled last season, it was against very physical teams that pushed him out of the lane and bodied him on the boards. See the game against Duke last season, when he had just five points and five rebounds, as an example. Lastly, it is unknown how he will fair as a defender playing primarily man as he has only played zone at Syracuse. There are concerns about his foot speed in those scenarios when he is put in a pick-and-roll situation. Still, even with that, he is so long and intelligent that he can make up for some of those shortcomings in other ways.

OVERALL

Edwards is one of the best bigs in college basketball. Period. He has an excellent skill set offensively, is extremely intelligent on the court, possesses strong footwork on the offensive end, and is an elite rim protector. He should fit almost anywhere but will have to adjust to a different system, especially on the defensive end.

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