ATHENS, Ga. — When Tom Crean accepted the job as head basketball coach at Georgia, one of his first talking points involved the need to tap into the talent within and around metro Atlanta.
On Monday morning, Crean did just that when Anthony Edwards – the nation’s No. 2 prospect, according to Rivals.com – verbally committed to the Bulldogs.
Edwards made the announcement at Holy Spirit Preparatory School, in front of a room full of classmates and media.
"My journey has been a struggle. I went through some struggles coming out of my eighth-grade year into my ninth-grade year," Edwards said. "But that journey has prepared me tremendously. I came in as a ninth-grader and I wasn’t a hard worker. But I’ve turned into that."
Edwards made up his mind to be a Bulldog two weeks ago
"He just felt that Georgia was where he needed to be and that Tom Crean would help give him the kind of development that he wants,” Edwards' travel team director Winfred Jordan of the ATLXPress told Rivals.com.
Georgia beat out the likes of Florida State, Kentucky and North Carolina for the services of Edwards, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound shooting guard and 5-star prospect with Rivals.
Edwards' addition bumps the Bulldogs up to No. 12 in the team recruiting standings. Georgia signed 4-star performers Jaykwon Walton and Toumani Camara.
Edwards is obviously expected to step right in and make a huge contribution for the Bulldogs (10-13, 1-9), who have struggled under Crean in his first year.
A natural 2-guard, Rivals basketball analyst Eric Bossi describes Edwards as an above average jump shooter, with deep range on his shot and the size and explosion off the floor to get his shot off against almost any defender.
Edwards said he's looking forward to getting to work with Crean.
"He's energetic, he'll talk you to death. He loves to watch film; he's a great guy," Edwards said. "He's great with player development."