In a remarkable achievement, South Carolina Gamecocks’ freshman forward Joyce Edwards has been named the 2025 Naismith College Player of the Year
, distinguishing herself among top contenders such as Juju Watkins, Lauren Betts of UCLA, and Paige Bueckers of UConn. This prestigious honor underscores Edwards’ exceptional talent and her significant impact on college basketball during her inaugural season.
A Stellar Freshman Campaign
Edwards, a native of Camden, South Carolina, entered the collegiate basketball scene with high expectations, and she has exceeded them spectacularly. Throughout the season, she led the Gamecocks in scoring, averaging 13.0 points per game in conference play. Her .558 field goal percentage ranked fourth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), highlighting her efficiency on the court. Notably, Edwards was the team’s leading scorer in 13 games, including seven matchups against ranked opponents, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure.
Her outstanding performances earned her multiple accolades, including selections to the All-SEC First Team and the SEC All-Freshman Team. She became only the third freshman in Gamecocks’ history to receive first-team All-SEC honors, following in the footsteps of legends A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston.
High School Accolades and Recruitment
Before joining the University of South Carolina, Edwards had already made a name for herself at Camden High School. She was a six-year varsity player, amassing 3,964 career points, the second-highest in South Carolina high school history. In her senior year, she averaged 31.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.5 steals, 4.0 assists, and 3.3 blocks per game, leading Camden to a second consecutive Class 3A state championship.
Her exceptional high school career earned her the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year award in 2024, making her the first girls’ basketball player from South Carolina to receive this honor. She was also named the Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year and was a co-MVP of the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game.
Edwards’ decision to commit to the University of South Carolina was influenced by head coach Dawn Staley’s dedication to accommodating her academic interests. Staley facilitated the creation of an environmental engineering major through the university’s honors college to align with Edwards’ pre-law aspirations. This personalized approach, combined with the opportunity to play close to home, solidified Edwards’ commitment to the Gamecocks.
Impact and Future Prospects
Edwards’ immediate impact on the Gamecocks has been profound. Her versatility, basketball IQ, and work ethic have drawn high praise from coaches and teammates alike. Coach Staley has lauded her as a future standout in college basketball, emphasizing her motivation and intellect.
Former Gamecocks star A’ja Wilson, whose jersey retirement ceremony coincided with Edwards’ rise, has also recognized the freshman’s potential, noting similarities between their playing styles and praising Edwards’ patience and IQ on the court.
Edwards’ contributions have been instrumental in South Carolina’s successful season. Notable performances include a career-high 21 points in just 23 minutes off the bench against then-No. 19 Alabama on January 16, 2025. Her consistent excellence has earned her multiple SEC Freshman of the Week honors, reflecting her growing prominence in the conference.
As the Gamecocks advance through the postseason, Edwards’ leadership and performance will be critical to their pursuit of a national championship. Her trajectory suggests a promising future, not only within the collegiate ranks but also as a prospective professional athlete. With her combination of skill, determination, and academic commitment, Joyce Edwards embodies the qualities of a true student-athlete and stands poised to leave an indelible mark on women’s basketball.
In conclusion, Joyce Edwards’ recognition as the 2025 Naismith College Player of the Year is a testament to her exceptional abilities and dedication. Her journey from a standout high school player to a collegiate star serves as an inspiring narrative of talent meeting opportunity, and her future in the sport appears exceedingly bright.
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