Wildcat Star Goes Undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft, Signs Two-Way Deal

justin-edwards

After Reed Sheppard was selected 3rd overall, Rob Dillingham went 8th overall, and Antonio Reeves picked 47th in the 2024 NBA Draft, one Wildcat went undrafted. Since then though, he's found himself a home. After not being selected, Justin Edwards immediately signed a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers soon after the draft was complete, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

A surprising result, Edwards going undrafted had many on social media up in arms. The Wildcat was once projected as a No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft coming out of his high school career. Not finding his footing until a little bit into his freshman season at Kentucky, Edwards still has a lot of potential given what we saw in high school and the flashes of it at Kentucky. He struggled to get adjusted to the college game, but he showed some flashes of brilliance last season. He had problems with his confidence throughout his time as a Wildcat, but the potential is definitely there, and he has one of the more higher ceilings among the prospects who went undrafted.

Last season at Kentucky, he averaged 8.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, shooting 48.6% overall from the field. His best game was a breakout game against Alabama, where he put up 28 points on perfect 10-10 shooting overall. He was clearly unstoppable against the Tide, also adding 4 threes, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals on the defensive end. Edwards is now returning to his hometown of Philadelphia as he looks to prove himself in the league.

Now, the only Wildcat that is awaiting some clarification on their destination is Tre Mitchell, who also went undrafted, but has yet to be signed to a contract with an NBA team.