A former Syracuse basketball player has just signed a deal with an NBA team. However, it wasn’t Judah Mintz, who had fallen completely out of most mock drafts by the week before the draft. Instead, it was Jesse Edwards, the center who transferred and spent his final college season at West Virginia. The Netherlands native signed a two-way contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves after the second round of the NBA draft concluded Thursday evening.
Edwards, similarly to Mintz, wasn’t projected to be drafted. However, he was clearly coveted enough as a prospect to get a two-way deal so quickly. A two-way contract means Edwards can split time between the Timberwolves in the NBA, as well as the Iowa Wolves, their G-League affiliate. Buddy Boeheim has been under the same type of deal with the Detroit Pistons.
Jesse Edwards, who is 6’11” and 240 pounds, had a solid final year of college. His team, West Virginia, posted a 9-23 record and tied for last in the Big 12 with a 4-14 conference record. However, Edwards averaged 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. Defense was the strongest part of his game, with 1.7 blocks and 0.6 steals per contest.
While signing a deal is a great first step for Edwards’ professional career, getting playing time on the Timberwolves is a long shot. Minnesota has two all-stars in the front court with Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. Plus, the Wolves’ bench boasts Naz Reid, the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year.
If Jesse Edwards can find a permanent spot on an NBA roster, he’ll join a relatively small group of former Syracuse players. Jerami Grant is a starter on the Portland Trail Blazers, while Oshae Brissett just won an NBA title with the Boston Celtics. That path is difficult, but far from impossible.
