“Calipari can’t develop”: Fans roast ex-Kentucky HC for former No. 1 recruit Justin Edwards going undrafted in 2024

Projected No. 1 pick & former Kentucky Wildcat Justin Edwards went undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft. It was quite surprising for the fans that a top-3 recruit fell out of the draft. Edwards played just one season for John Calipari and averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 48.6% from the field.

Nevertheless, the Philadelphia 76ers presented an opportunity for Edwards and the wing is now on a two-way contract with the franchise.

Justin Edwards being ignored in the draft prompted college hoops fans to blame his last year's coach John Calipari on X:

"I blame Cal …… smh sad," a fan wrote.

"Calapari can’t develop," another fan passionately claimed.

"Someone in that kids life should’ve stepped up and been real that he needed to stay another year, but rich and cal are both two of the last people I’d ever expect to do that," a follower threw Edwaards' agent Rich Paul in the mix.

On the other hand, fans had mixed emotions when revisiting Justin Edwards' choice to declare for the draft early in his career:

"Had no business declaring anybody who watched could’ve told him that. Horrible advice," an enthusiast wrote.

"Edwards had 28 and 5 with 2 steals vs Bama on 10/10 shooting," a follower hinted at Edwards' potential.

"Everyone I read blaming Cal & Rich - he the one didn't develop or get better in college #1, putting up those numbers even Rich couldn't get a team to bite #2, & lastly I agree with most that he should of went back to college with no hesitation. He wasn't good enough for NBA.," another fan quipped.

Potential reasons behind Justin Edwards' fallout from NBA Draft

Things were layered in Kentucky last season. Even though Justin Edwards shot a dependable 37% on threes, he failed to play off the ball to act as a finisher, something he was quite adept at in high school.

This enabled players like Rob Dillingham, Antonio Reeves, Aaron Bradshaw, DJ Wagner and Reed Sheppard to show up.

Kentucky was simply an unfit spot for Justin Edwards. When he came to Calipari’s roster, the lineup was stacked with high-potential point guards, a position Calipari loves to play through. This might have resulted in decreased confidence for Edwards, who began showing signs on the court.