“She’s highly motivated”: Dawn Staley predicts Joyce Edwards will be the “best player in college basketball one day” 

South Carolina freshman Joyce Edwards is making waves in her first college basketball season, proving why she was one of the nation’s top recruits in the class of 2024. The Camden, South Carolina native has already become a key contributor for the Gamecocks, leading the team with 12.2 points per game and 4.9 rebounds per game.

Despite coming off the bench and averaging just 20.3 minutes per game, Edwards has made her presence felt on both ends of the court. Her performance against LSU on Friday highlighted her impact, as she scored 14 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in just 19 minutes. The Gamecocks’ bench, led by Edwards, outscored LSU’s bench 31-2, a decisive factor in the top-five showdown.

On Friday, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley expressed her high expectations for Edwards, predicting her to become one of the best players in the country.

“Joyce is, I’m going to put it out there, Joyce is going to be the best player in college basketball one day,” Staley said via On3. “Her work ethic, intellect, and motivation set her apart. She’s highly motivated.”

Edwards’ current role as a bench player hasn’t diminished her influence. Staley compared her to former Gamecock great Aliyah Boston, a National Player of the Year, during her time at South Carolina.

“She’s very Aliyah-like when it comes to what she pours into her game,” Staley added. “Basketball has a way of rewarding you, and I believe Joyce will become the best player in the country.”

Staley praised Edwards’ versatility and confidence, calling her a player who thrives in any matchup.

“Joyce injects what we need,” Staley said. “She’s unafraid. She makes good basketball decisions and plays the right way. Whether guarding a smaller or bigger opponent, she believes she’ll score.”

With her talent and Staley’s guidance, Edwards could be moved into a starting role and help South Carolina chase another national title.

Joyce Edwards named SEC Freshman of the Week for the second time

South Carolina forward Joyce Edwards continues to live up to her five-star prospect billing, earning her second SEC Freshman of the Week honor this season. The Camden native’s stellar performances against Alabama and Oklahoma solidified her as a key contributor for the Gamecocks.

Edwards led the team in scoring this week, averaging 19.0 points per game and shooting 75.0% from the field. Her domination was on full show in South Carolina's win over Alabama, where she scored a career-high 21 points. Eleven of them came in the fourth quarter, demonstrating her ability to deliver in clutch time.

South Carolina's Joyce Edwards v Oklahoma - Source: Image via Getty

In Sunday’s victory over Oklahoma, Edwards added another team-high 17 points, marking the seventh time this season she has led the Gamecocks in scoring.

This latest recognition from the SEC follows her previous honor on December 3, when she was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Week. Edwards’ ability to make an impact so early in her collegiate career speaks volumes about her talent.