Joyce Edwards: Rising star of South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball

Joyce Edwards, born on January 30, 2006, in Camden, South Carolina, is currently a freshman forward for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall, she has quickly become a standout player in collegiate basketball. Edwards has made a significant impact on the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team during the 2024-2025 season. As of January 30, 2025, she leads the team in scoring, averaging 12.4 points per game, along with 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 56.3% from the field.

High School Career:

Edwards attended Camden High School, where she had an illustrious basketball career. As a senior, she averaged 31.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 4.5 steals, 3.3 blocks, and 4 assists per game, leading Camden to its second consecutive 3A state championship. Her exceptional performance earned her the Gatorade National Player of the Year award in 2024.

She also shone in national all-star games, being named co-MVP of the 2024 McDonald's All-American Game after scoring a game-high 19 points. Additionally, she was the MVP of the 2024 Jordan Brand Classic, where she recorded 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 steals, and 2 blocks.

Recruitment and College Commitment:

Ranked as the No. 3 player in the 2024 class by ESPN, Edwards committed to the University of South Carolina, choosing the Gamecocks over offers from LSU and Clemson. She signed her National Letter of Intent on November 15, 2023, becoming the highest-rated player from South Carolina since A'ja Wilson in 2014.

National Team Experience:

Edwards has represented the United States in international competitions. She was the youngest member of the USA team at the 2023 FIBA Under-19 Women's Basketball World Cup, averaging 12.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, contributing to the team's gold medal victory. In 2024, she was named to the USA U18 National Team and led the team in scoring during the FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup, where she was named tournament MVP after helping secure another gold medal.

Current season:

Edwards has delivered standout performances in key matchups. In a recent game against No. 18 Tennessee, she led the team with 18 points, marking her 15th double-figure scoring game and the ninth time she has led the team in scoring.

Head coach Dawn Staley has praised Edwards' work ethic and potential, stating, "Joyce is going to be the best player in college basketball one day... She's highly motivated."

Earlier, in a victory over No. 5 LSU, she contributed 14 points off the bench, showcasing her ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Edwards' versatility and defensive prowess have also been highlighted, with her averaging 5.4 rebounds and a team-high 1.7 steals per game, allowing her to guard all positions effectively.

Overall, Joyce Edwards' contributions have been instrumental in the Gamecocks' success this season, and her continued development is highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.

Also, today is her birthday!