Justin Edwards Bio
Justin Edwards (born December 16, 2003) is an American professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats before turning professional in 2024. A consensus five-star recruit, he was rated among the top players in the 2023 high school class. He now plays for his hometown NBA franchise after signing a multi-year contract in the summer of 2025.
Early Life and Background
Justin Edwards was born on December 16, 2003, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in the city and attended Imhotep Institute Charter High School, where he developed into one of the most decorated high school players in Pennsylvania. His mother, Ebony Twiggs, played college basketball at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and also played professionally overseas in Portugal, giving him an early connection to the sport.
Raised in Philadelphia, Edwards was surrounded by a strong basketball culture and family ties to the game. His mother’s background as a college and professional player helped shape his understanding of the sport from a young age. He began gaining statewide recognition as a teenager, and his combination of size, athleticism, and scoring ability quickly made him a household name in Pennsylvania high school basketball.
Path to Basketball
Edwards emerged as a high-level prospect during his years at Imhotep Institute Charter High School. As a sophomore, he helped the Panthers win the Philadelphia City championship, establishing himself as a key contributor on a winning team. He continued his rise as a junior, averaging 18.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, while leading Imhotep to the PIAA Class 5A state championship.
Following his junior season, Edwards played in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, which is widely regarded as one of the top grassroots circuits in the country. He was selected to the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game, a prestigious honor reserved for the nation’s elite high school players. He was also chosen to represent Team USA at the Nike Hoop Summit, further confirming his status as one of the best players in his class.
As a senior, Edwards averaged 17.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, leading Imhotep to a second straight state championship. He was named Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball in recognition of his outstanding senior season. A consensus five-star recruit, he was rated the number one overall player in the nation by ESPN in January 2023. On July 25, 2022, he committed to the University of Kentucky after also considering Tennessee, Auburn, Kansas, Maryland, and Villanova.
Justin Edwards Career
Kentucky Wildcats Era (2023–2024)
Edwards enrolled at the University of Kentucky in June 2023 and joined the Wildcats basketball program. During the summer before his freshman season, he played for Kentucky in the GLOBL JAM tournament in Canada, where he averaged 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 steals across four games. The Wildcats went undefeated and won the tournament, giving Edwards an early taste of competitive success at the collegiate level.
During his freshman season, Edwards appeared in 32 games for Kentucky, averaging 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. Although he adjusted to the college game and played a supporting role on a talented roster, his performances throughout the year reaffirmed his professional potential. After the season concluded, he declared for the 2024 NBA draft and began preparing for the next stage of his basketball career.
Philadelphia 76ers Era (2024–Present)
After going undrafted in the 2024 NBA draft, Edwards signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, his hometown team, on July 4, 2024. He quickly made an impression during his rookie season, playing in 44 games with 26 starts and averaging 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across the 2024–25 NBA season. On January 14, 2025, he scored a career-high 25 points on 9-of-16 shooting in a 118–102 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
On February 9, 2025, the 76ers signed Edwards to a standard NBA contract, signaling their confidence in his long-term potential. He tied his career-high 25 points on March 21, 2025, in a 128–120 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. On June 27, 2025, Edwards re-signed with the 76ers on a three-year, $2 million contract, securing his place with the franchise through the 2027–28 NBA season.
Notable Events and Milestones
Edwards’s career has been marked by a series of early milestones that reflect his rapid development. He earned McDonald’s All-American and Nike Hoop Summit honors in 2023, was named Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball, and won two PIAA Class 5A state championships with Imhotep. He later won the GLOBL JAM tournament with Kentucky, scored a career-high 25 points in his rookie NBA season, and signed a multi-year deal with the 76ers in 2025.
Justin Edwards Career Wins
Justin Edwards has built an impressive list of accomplishments at a young age, including championships, individual awards, and contract milestones. His trophy case includes two PIAA Class 5A state titles with Imhotep Institute Charter High School and a GLOBL JAM championship with the Kentucky Wildcats. He was also named Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball in 2023.
High School Highlights
As a member of the Imhotep Panthers, Edwards won the Philadelphia City championship as a sophomore before leading the team to back-to-back PIAA Class 5A state championships. His individual honors included McDonald’s All-American, Jordan Brand Classic, Nike Hoop Summit, and Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball recognition in 2023.
Justin Edwards Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Justin Edwards comes from a basketball family with deep roots in the sport. His mother, Ebony Twiggs, played college basketball at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and continued her career professionally overseas in Portugal. Her experience and guidance helped shape Edwards’s development as a young player growing up in Philadelphia.
Personal Life
Edwards is the son of Ebony Twiggs, who remains a major influence in his life and career. He grew up in Philadelphia and continues to represent his hometown as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
2025 Season Performance
Justin Edwards entered the 2025 NBA season as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, fresh off signing a three-year, $2 million contract extension in June 2025. Following his conversion to a standard NBA deal in February 2025, he established himself as a rotational player for the 76ers, providing scoring, rebounding, and perimeter defense. His 44 appearances and 26 starts during the 2024–25 season gave him valuable experience heading into his first full year under his new contract.
Edwards continued to show flashes of his scoring potential, including a 25-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs on March 21, 2025. His role within Philadelphia’s young core is expected to grow as he adjusts to the demands of a full NBA schedule. With a stable contract in place and the trust of the 76ers organization, he enters the new season focused on becoming a consistent contributor on both ends of the floor.
Looking ahead, Edwards is positioned to play a meaningful part in the 76ers’ long-term plans. His combination of athleticism, scoring touch, and familiarity with the Philadelphia basketball community gives him a strong foundation for sustained success in the NBA.