Houston’s players were going through warmups prior to the matchup. UAB was discarded without any problems in their first round South Region matchup. Cougars senior Kyler Eds looked like someone who has been there before.
Edwards was familiar with it all. The constant blaring of the pep bands. The pressure. The spotlight.
Another game. A little more.
Edwards has a second home in March’s chaotic stage filled with upsets and momentum swings, heroes, and heartache. He is an expert on the NCAA logos and brackets.
Friday’s game was Edwards ninth NCAA Tournament match. He has also gained valuable experience and vital intelligence that will help the Cougars (30-5), which take on Illinois (23/9) on Sunday to secure a Sweet 16 spot.
Edwards stated Saturday that it gave him confidence to know what he was doing on the court after Saturday’s practice at PPG Paints Arena. “I feel like a veteran out here so I know when to make the right plays and when to do certain things. I’m grateful for the experience.
After three seasons at Texas Tech, Edwards moved to Houston. He was a freshman and made it all the way to Texas Tech’s national championship game. In the Red Raiders’ defeat to Virginia, he scored 12 points.
Edwards was frustrated by his junior playing time and decided to follow Chris Beard, Texas Tech coach, and leave Texas with a new coach. He went through the transfer portal, and ended up at Houston. Houston made the Final Four in 2021.
Houston may be able extend its season to April’s first weekend if the well-rounded performance of the Cougars against UAB is an indication.
Edwards was able to do a bit of everything in the 82-68 victory over the Blazers. This is the Cougars ninth win by at least 10 points. Edwards scored 25 points and 18 on 3-pointers. He also added seven rebounds within 37 minutes.
Edwards was always the one to counter UAB’s run whenever they made it. Edwards was the one who ended any hopes of a comeback with a layup in the last minute and a 3-pointer.
The next step.
Edwards was not only a solid statistician, but he also talked his younger teammates through their first NCAA adventure.
Houston coach Kelvin Sampson says Edwards is a comfort to his players and staff.
Sampson stated, “We’re playing three freshman a lot of time.” “We have a freshman point guard in Jamal, who is 19 years old. Kyler is his best friend and he spends most his time on the team with him.” Jamal can lean on Kyler for comfort, which I believe is a comforting thing.”
Sampson had to also lean on Edwards.
The Cougars, like all teams, have had to deal with some adversity. Houston’s had its share of adversity. In December, starters Tramon Mark, and Marcus Sasser (remaining Final Four players and some of the best players on the team), suffered season-ending injuries.
These losses forced Sampson to change his plans, now in his eighth season at Houston. Edwards was able to improve his game.
The 6-foot-4 guard was able to respond with a three-game run in January. He scored 29, 23 and 25 points, while shooting 19 for 37 from 3-pointers. This stretch helped him rise in the American Athletic Conference, and it also strengthened his faith in his teammates.
Sampson stated, “He’s very humble and kind of a quiet lead on the team.” Sampson stated, “Our children respect him a lot. I believe that’s very important for our players.”
Edwards is just one of three Houston transfers making an impact. Swingman Taze Moore from Cal-Bakersfield and forward Josh Carlton both came over from Connecticut to contribute to a team that recouped back-to-back losses, Houston’s first consecutive loss in five years, in February. They are now on their current run.
The matchup with the Fighting Illini and their All-American center Kofi Kockburn has brought the Cougars to Sunday, which is the closest college basketball has come to Shaquille N’Eal in many years.
Sampson stated, “Kofi is a big man now.” “Kofi is closer to Shaq than the guys we play against. He can block out the sun. He’s wide.”
Edwards has faced some of the biggest boys in the tournament before. Houston’s experience this season has shown that Edwards is capable of overcoming any obstacle.
Edwards stated, “Both teams can be tough. We know how to overcome adversity.” “When the worst happens, we know how push through it.”
