Spring Break
Edwards finding a way to get into lineup
Justin Verrier
Issue date: 11/14/08 Section: Husky Hoopla
Relegated to a bench role in his three years in Storrs, Edwards' determination and willingness to play whatever position and do whatever is asked of him has led to a steady increase in floor minutes.
While Edwards' ever-growing list of skills hasn't helped him crack the starting lineup, the junior said he takes pride in his flexibility because the extra value only increases the team's chances of winning.
"That creates a lot of matchup problems," he said. "That makes it a little bit easier for me, because I'll have somebody trying to play me for one certain aspect and then they can't guard me on the other aspect. It makes it a little bit easier for me and for coach, I think."
The potential is already starting to turn into production. While the Huskies didn't run any set plays to give Edwards the ball against AIC in the exhibition opener the past week, he still managed to score 15 points, mostly off his seven rebounds.
The performance impressed Calhoun, who reportedly hinted at considering starting Edwards in the near future.
"Gavin gives us some decent mobility and flexibility, defensively particularly," Calhoun said after UConn's 83-58 win over AIC.
While being a "team player" fits into the long list of sports clichés, everything about Edwards fits that M.O. - from the way he plays on the court to the way he acts off it.
Unlike more well-known energy or hustle players like Dennis Rodman, the soft-spoken 20-year-old rarely puts himself out there. Whenever he does talk about himself or his accomplishments, he almost always mentions his team or pleasing the coaching staff.
However, because of his laidback personality, Edwards tends to disappear at times on the court, and Calhoun often said that the junior needed to be more aggressive the past season.
But while it may go unnoticed, what most don't see is what makes Edwards so valuable, and perhaps one of the key cogs for the team advancing in March.
"Sometimes it's difficult just learning something and then trying to dominate at it," Edwards said. "But I just have to keep that in mind and keep trying to make moves inside and outside and just have to be more confident in myself."
While Edwards' ever-growing list of skills hasn't helped him crack the starting lineup, the junior said he takes pride in his flexibility because the extra value only increases the team's chances of winning.
"That creates a lot of matchup problems," he said. "That makes it a little bit easier for me, because I'll have somebody trying to play me for one certain aspect and then they can't guard me on the other aspect. It makes it a little bit easier for me and for coach, I think."
The potential is already starting to turn into production. While the Huskies didn't run any set plays to give Edwards the ball against AIC in the exhibition opener the past week, he still managed to score 15 points, mostly off his seven rebounds.
The performance impressed Calhoun, who reportedly hinted at considering starting Edwards in the near future.
"Gavin gives us some decent mobility and flexibility, defensively particularly," Calhoun said after UConn's 83-58 win over AIC.
While being a "team player" fits into the long list of sports clichés, everything about Edwards fits that M.O. - from the way he plays on the court to the way he acts off it.
Unlike more well-known energy or hustle players like Dennis Rodman, the soft-spoken 20-year-old rarely puts himself out there. Whenever he does talk about himself or his accomplishments, he almost always mentions his team or pleasing the coaching staff.
However, because of his laidback personality, Edwards tends to disappear at times on the court, and Calhoun often said that the junior needed to be more aggressive the past season.
But while it may go unnoticed, what most don't see is what makes Edwards so valuable, and perhaps one of the key cogs for the team advancing in March.
"Sometimes it's difficult just learning something and then trying to dominate at it," Edwards said. "But I just have to keep that in mind and keep trying to make moves inside and outside and just have to be more confident in myself."
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