Just a few days after learning where K-State transfer Angel Rodriguez ended up, the Wildcats were able to land a transfer of their own. Justin Edwards, a 6-3 combo guard from Maine picked KSU today while visiting.
What Kansas State fans will learn about Edwards is that he led the America East in scoring at 16.7 points per game, and that he was a stat stuffer averaging 5.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.9 steals.
But what we've learned from analyzing years of previous transfers is that mid-career transfers are often high-volume, low-efficiency players. Does Edwards fit this mold?
The short answer is yes. The longer answer is a bit more complicated.
When he was on the floor he took 30% of the shots. For perspective, no player coached by Bruce Weber in his entire career has taken that many shots. Edwards has virtually no 3-pt shot (27% for his career) yet he insists on taking three a game. He's fairly efficient on 2s (49%) and he's an average free throw shooter (68%).
At first glance, that's not particularly encouraging.
But Edwards is a talented player. He's exceptionally athletic and can get the ball to the rim. Playing for Weber he won't have the opportunity to shoot at will, so the key for the coaching staff will be getting him to buy into the system and do what he's asked to do and nothing more. Since he has to a sit out a year, he'll have plenty of time to learn.
If the staff can accomplish that, then K-State fans should be delighted. Edwards is a solid rebounder for his size, and has all the tools to be a tremendous defender. He needs to get stronger and cut down on silly fouls, but he forced a steal on 3.4% of opponent possessions, matching the departed Angel Rodriguez.
Edwards is likely overrated because of his raw numbers, but he also has the ability to develop into big time – and efficient – player.
