Edwards a promising prospect

There were a number of top prospects in St. Louis for the NIKE Hoop Jamboree. Some of them catch the eye because of potential and others because of productivity. 2009 prospect Bill Edwards falls in the second category. The 6-foot-5, 239-pound wing prospect from Middletown (Ohio) High School presently has a couple mid-major offers, but look for the high major offers to start coming in.

At the moment, Edwards lists Wake Forest, Ohio State, Miami, Xavier and Miami-Ohio as his top schools that are recruiting him. He also has an offer from UMass to go along with Miami-Ohio, whom he visited right after the Hoop Jamboree.

"I really enjoyed my visit to Miami-Ohio," said Edwards. "It is really a nice small school. At the end of this month, I also plan to visit Wake Forest."

There are, however, two schools that are not pursuing Edwards, yet, whom he would love to have as an option.

"My dream school would be Duke," he said. "I'm working hard to get myself to that level. I had a chance to meet Coach K when I was young, and I've always admired the school. Michigan State is also a program that I have grown up liking. I have a lot of respect for Coach Izzo."

A player who has a mature understanding of his game, Edwards commented on his strengths and weaknesses.

"I'm working on my jumping ability," he said. "I also am working on my off hand, and I want to improve my defense. My strength is shooting, and coaches always say I have a feel for finding my teammates. I also am a competitor and a team leader."

Bill Edwards scouting report:

A big bodied wing player, Edwards is a sharp shooting lefty who can also put the ball on the floor. He also has a feel for passing the ball without over-dribbling. Defensively, he has room to improve his lateral quickness, and he also must make sure his size doesn't become a weakness instead of a strength.