Crean expects ‘huge impact’ from freshman Anthony Edwards

Georgia freshman Anthony Edwards (10) takes part in scrimmage at Stegmania Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens.

Credit: Anthony Walsh

Credit: Anthony Walsh

Georgia freshman Anthony Edwards (10) takes part in scrimmage at Stegmania Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens.

Georgia coach Tom Crean expects a “huge impact” from Anthony Edwards and says the highly touted freshman doesn’t realize yet how good he can be.

Edwards was the nation’s top prospect in his high school class according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports. The Bulldogs are counting on the 6-foot-5 guard to spark a program coming off an 11-21 season and 13th-place finish in the SEC.

Crean said during the SEC’s men’s basketball media day in Birmingham, Ala.a, that Edwards can be an “outstanding” offensive player and “elite” defensive player and that the freshman “doesn’t even really have an idea of how fast he is, how good he can be.”

Crean says one reason is Edwards’ youth; he just turned 18 years old on Aug. 5.

Edwards is among a handful of five-star recruits who joined the SEC in 2019. Florida got graduate transfer Kerry Blackshear along with five-star prospect Scottie Lewis. Kentucky’s latest class of talented freshmen includes Tyrese Maxey and Kahlil Whitney. LSU has Trendon Watford.