WVU’s Jesse Edwards Posts 20 Points Against NBA Center

WVU C Jesse Edwards had another great performance for the Netherlands against Croatia in the FIBA Pre-Qualifying games on Wednesday.

Even more impressive, Edwards did this against current NBA center Ivica Zubac. Zubac is entering his eighth season in the NBA, his fifth year with the Los Angeles Clippers. Zubac averaged 10.8 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 76 games for the Clippers.

In Wednesday’s contest, Zubac recorded 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting but Edwards was able to keep up with the NBA veteran. Edwards finished with 20 points, eight rebounds and two steals in 19 minutes. The current Mountaineer shot 7-of-9 from the field, including a three-pointer.

Edwards averaged 18 points and eight rebounds throughout the three-game group stage.

Edwards is the centerpiece of West Virginia’s transfer portal haul this offseason, coming in as a top-five transfer recruit. Edwards averaged 14.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks on 59 percent shooting from the field during his senior year at Syracuse. Edwards was named to the All-ACC Third Team this past season. Edwards has started for the Orange in the past two years. Edwards played seven minutes against West Virginia in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Edwards has one year of eligibility remaining.

Edwards entered the portal on April 11 and cut his list down to WVU, Gonzaga and Kansas within days. Edwards’ visit to West Virginia was the only one scheduled during his recruitment. Edwards committed to WVU on April 16.