Meet The Freshmen: Santa Clara’s Stephen Edwards
By Max Graves
Santa Clara University and Kerry Keating have nailed another recruiting class right in their comfort zone; full of mid-major, overlooked recruits that are very skilled.
Today, we will highlight Stephen Edwards, a 6-2 point guard from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
High School/AAU
Stephen Edwards played his first three years at Del City High School in Oklahoma City. His junior season, he averaged 16.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.0 apg, and 3.0 spg. After three years at Del City, he transferred to Putnam City West High School for his senior season. For AAU ball, Edwards played for the Oklahoma Wizards, which had 16 collegiate commitments in the class of 2014.
Scouting
Edwards is not a typical Bronco basketball player. Coach Keating often recruits very skilled players over very athletic players. Not only is Edwards very athletic, he is as skilled as usual Santa Clara recruits. Extremely quick, Edwards has a knack of getting into the lane and dishing to the open man, which fits very well with the sharpshooters Santa Clara has. He does a great job of pushing the tempo, and can also knock down the open shot. He adds a different slasher element that they lacked at times last year, and he blends very well with their guards.
Santa Clara Fit
Last year, the Santa Clara backcourt was definitely their strength. They also return all three backcourt starters: Jalen Richard, Jared Brownridge, and Brandon Clark. Edwards, a point guard, could work really well with the shooting of Brownridge and Clark, who play more off the ball. Starting point guard, Jalen Richard, split minutes with departed senior Evan Roquemore. Bronco fans are hoping Edwards can fit into that role, and maybe contend for the starting spot, as Keating has shown in the past that he does not care about seniority and will play whomever he thinks gives them the best chance to win.
Overall, Stephen Edwards is a very important freshmen for Santa Clara this year based off need and ability. He will have a chance to play right away, and can instantly change the game with his quickness and overall game.