Spring Break
Edwards finding a way to get into lineup
Justin Verrier
Issue date: 11/14/08 Section: Husky Hoopla
Gavin Edwards doesn't run the offense like A.J. Price or control the paint like Hasheem Thabeet, and he doesn't shoot the 3-pointer like Scottie Haralson or slash through the lane like Jerome Dyson.
But while the junior forward may not be called upon to take the game-winning shot, break someone off the dribble or lock down the opponent's star player, Edwards is willing to do whatever he has to, and play as many positions as possible, to contribute.
"I'm just trying to get in wherever I fit in," he said last week. "Whether it's at the 3 or the 4, I'm just trying to play at the best of my abilities. Wherever coach wants to put me, he'll put me there."
Edwards emerged the past season as a consummate team player, someone willing to rebound, play defense and do all the dirty work. This year, though, his hands will be filthy.
With Stanley Robinson and Ater Majok out for the first semester, and Nate Miles now playing at Southern Idaho following his expulsion, the Huskies are without a true swingman for at least the next few months.
At 6-foot-9, 234-pounds, Edwards is probably best suited as a power forward, but will see plenty of time at the 3 this season.
"We've been playing Gavin an awful lot at the 3 and at times he's done an awful good job," said coach Jim Calhoun. "What I thought might be the starting lineup the first day [of practice] isn't necessarily the starting lineup."
Even so, Edwards does whatever he needs to in order to help his team.
As a junior on the Arizona Blue Magic AAU team, Edwards saw only limited action. But Edwards improved rapidly, finishing his senior year Mesquite High School with game averages of 17.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks en route to earning Co-Region Player of the Year.
He even broke the school's season record for blocked shots. His defensive prowess piqued Calhoun's interest, and Edwards signed on to fill the void of the recently departed Josh Boone.
But while the junior forward may not be called upon to take the game-winning shot, break someone off the dribble or lock down the opponent's star player, Edwards is willing to do whatever he has to, and play as many positions as possible, to contribute.
"I'm just trying to get in wherever I fit in," he said last week. "Whether it's at the 3 or the 4, I'm just trying to play at the best of my abilities. Wherever coach wants to put me, he'll put me there."
Edwards emerged the past season as a consummate team player, someone willing to rebound, play defense and do all the dirty work. This year, though, his hands will be filthy.
With Stanley Robinson and Ater Majok out for the first semester, and Nate Miles now playing at Southern Idaho following his expulsion, the Huskies are without a true swingman for at least the next few months.
At 6-foot-9, 234-pounds, Edwards is probably best suited as a power forward, but will see plenty of time at the 3 this season.
"We've been playing Gavin an awful lot at the 3 and at times he's done an awful good job," said coach Jim Calhoun. "What I thought might be the starting lineup the first day [of practice] isn't necessarily the starting lineup."
Even so, Edwards does whatever he needs to in order to help his team.
As a junior on the Arizona Blue Magic AAU team, Edwards saw only limited action. But Edwards improved rapidly, finishing his senior year Mesquite High School with game averages of 17.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks en route to earning Co-Region Player of the Year.
He even broke the school's season record for blocked shots. His defensive prowess piqued Calhoun's interest, and Edwards signed on to fill the void of the recently departed Josh Boone.
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