When Mark Pope took the reins of Kentucky basketball, fans envisioned a rebirth—high-tempo offense, fearless three-point shooting, and a rekindling of the fire that made Big Blue Nation a perennial title contender. Pope’s off-season additions were praised, his recruiting moves cheered, and expectations for 2025-26 began to climb sky-high.
But while new stars like Collin Chandler, Amari Williams, and Trent Noah have shined early in summer practices, reports emerging from Lexington suggest a much different storyline for one of the team’s key returning players: Justin Edwards.
The sophomore wing, once billed as a surefire NBA lottery pick and future face of Kentucky basketball, is at the center of troubling whispers leaking from within the Wildcats’ closed-door training sessions. And the words making their way out are jarring.
“He looked lost,” said one anonymous source close to the program, speaking candidly after viewing a scrimmage this past week. “This wasn’t the Justin Edwards we were promised last year, and it’s certainly not the player Kentucky needs this season.”
With practices just beginning to heat up, Big Blue Nation now faces an uncomfortable question: Is Justin Edwards falling behind?
The Once-High Hopes for Justin Edwards
Edwards came to Kentucky as the No. 3 overall recruit in the 2023 class. He had the tools: 6-foot-8 frame, smooth shooting stroke, elite athleticism, and a wingspan that allowed him to guard multiple positions. NBA scouts raved about his upside, and many believed he could be the next Brandon Ingram-type wing to blossom under college coaching.
But Edwards’ freshman year was riddled with inconsistency. Despite some strong performances—like his 17-point game against Miami and clutch play in SEC battles—his production dipped late in the year. He finished the season averaging just 7.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 28% from three-point range.
Still, when Mark Pope arrived, many believed a reset under a new system could reignite Edwards’ trajectory.
Instead, early signs suggest regression.
“He’s Behind the Curve”
What’s most alarming isn’t just that Edwards is underperforming in practice. It’s how he’s underperforming.
Multiple team insiders have described his decision-making as “hesitant,” his defense as “lackadaisical,” and his shooting form as “inconsistent from session to session.” One particularly damning quote summed it up:
“He’s behind the curve. Right now, he’s being outplayed by freshmen and transfers who’ve only been on campus for a few weeks.”
That’s a startling admission, especially considering Edwards is one of the few returning players who’s already experienced the grind of SEC basketball.
And in Mark Pope’s system, where ball movement, pace, and shooting efficiency are critical, a player who struggles to adapt quickly can be left behind.
Pope’s System: A Blessing or Curse?
Pope’s offense is predicated on rapid reads, off-ball movement, and elite spacing. It’s a far cry from John Calipari’s iso-heavy, pro-style schemes. While that change has unlocked the full potential of shooters like Collin Chandler and versatile wings like Jasper Johnson, it’s been unforgiving to players who hesitate or second-guess.
That’s where Edwards is said to be struggling most.
“He’s not reading the game fast enough,” one assistant noted. “This system demands pace, both in how you move and how you think. Right now, Justin looks like he’s stuck between instincts.”
There’s also the matter of shooting.
Edwards, projected to be a perimeter threat, has reportedly looked shaky from beyond the arc in early workouts. Meanwhile, sharpshooters like Trent Noah and Kerr Kriisa are lighting it up.
In an offense where five players are expected to space the floor, an inconsistent shooter can become a liability.
The Confidence Issue
Perhaps the biggest concern isn’t physical—it’s mental.
Sources say Edwards’ confidence appears “shaky,” which mirrors how he looked at points last season when he disappeared in key moments. With so much roster turnover and a coaching regime shift, players were expected to fight for their spots. For Edwards, that fight seems to be missing a spark.
“Body language matters,” one former player observed. “You can tell who believes they belong. Edwards doesn’t look like that guy right now.”
Confidence, of course, can be rebuilt—but time is not on his side. With a stacked roster full of wings and guards eager to carve out minutes, Edwards may find himself sliding down the depth chart if things don’t shift quickly.
The Depth Chart Dilemma
Let’s not forget: this Kentucky team is loaded.
- Collin Chandler looks like a budding star, with explosive first steps and a deadly shot.
- Jasper Johnson has been electric in early scrimmages.
- Trent Noah, though unheralded nationally, has turned heads with his toughness and scoring versatility.
- Otega Oweh, the Oklahoma transfer, is defending at a high level and playing with confidence.
- Kerr Kriisa, the veteran point guard, is bringing leadership and shooting.
So where does Edwards fit?
If he can’t hit open threes or defend at a high level, he’ll likely lose out on major minutes at the 3-spot. And if his confidence continues to erode, it’s not out of the question that Pope leans heavily on newcomers while relegating Edwards to a bench role.
That’s a wild turn of events for a player once tabbed as a future lottery pick.
What Can Save Him?
Let’s pump the brakes just a bit—it’s early July.
Plenty of time remains before exhibition games begin. Many players need a month or two to adjust to new systems, and Edwards does have the raw tools to turn it around. If there’s any solace in these reports, it’s that Edwards is still practicing, still showing up, and still being given opportunities.
But he has to capitalize on them—now.
That means:
- Tightening up his shot mechanics.
- Committing fully on the defensive end.
- Playing with urgency and energy, even in practice.
- Rebuilding confidence through small wins—like a good scrimmage performance or a strong showing in weight training sessions.
Mark Pope is known for being a players’ coach. He isn’t going to publicly humiliate or exile a returning sophomore, especially one with as much potential as Edwards. But he will demand production.
Because the stakes are high. Kentucky fans are hungry. And this roster, as deep as it is, won’t wait around for anyone to “figure it out.”
The Danger of Being Forgotten
College basketball is a cruel world for underperforming stars.
Just ask former Kentucky standouts who slipped from NBA radar after quiet seasons. The rise of the transfer portal and NIL world means fan bases, and even coaches, are quicker than ever to pivot. If Edwards continues to struggle, he could easily find himself overlooked in favor of younger, hungrier talent.
There’s also the personal financial angle. Edwards passed on the NBA Draft to return and “raise his stock.” If he falters, he risks dropping entirely off the radar by 2026.
That’s why these practice reports—while early—are so concerning.
What’s Next?
Kentucky is expected to hold its first open practice for select media and fans later this month. All eyes will be on Edwards. Will he rise to the occasion and silence the whispers? Or will the concerns be validated before a single game is played?
Summer tour games overseas, where Pope will debut his new-look Wildcats, could provide a fresh platform. If Edwards can turn heads there, the momentum might shift in his favor.
But make no mistake—the clock is ticking.
Final Word: Time to Wake Up
Justin Edwards has the talent. No one questions that. What’s unclear is whether he has the fire, the urgency, and the self-belief to evolve in Pope’s system.
For now, “he looked lost” may be the most haunting phrase hanging over Lexington this summer.
But all is not lost—yet.
With the right mindset and a few breakout practices, Justin Edwards could reinsert himself into Kentucky’s core rotation and reclaim the NBA buzz he once carried.
