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The Norman Transcript, Okla.
OU basketball adds SMU transfer B.J. Edwards thanks to injunction
- Story byThe Norman Transcript, Okla.
- OU basketball adds SMU transfer B.J. Edwards thanks to injunction
The Sooners continue to make out-of-the-ordinary additions this offseason and put a cherry on top of their roster with the acquisition of an all-conference performer.
The OU men's basketball team announced Friday the signing of SMU transfer B.J. Edwards after On3's Joe Tipton reported about the acquisition Thursday. Edwards, a fifth-year senior, recently received a fifth season of eligibility thanks to an injunction in Tennessee he was part of that allows him to play and transfer this upcoming season.
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"B.J. is a really good fit for our program, both from a culture and basketball standpoint," said OU coach Porter Moser. "He's tough, he competes, he's got a high motor and he's been around winning. Those things matter to us."
Edwards, a 6-foot-3-inch guard, averaged 12.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game for the Mustangs last season.
He was an All-ACC honorable motion, but more importantly led the conference with 2.3 steals per game, leading to a selection on the ACC's All-Defensive team.
Edwards appears to be in-line to compete for a starting job next to OU star Xzayvier Brown. He will compete with Texas A&M transfer Pop Isaacs for the starting guard spot and creates one of the most experienced backcourts in the country.
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Edwards spent one season at Tennessee and the past three with SMU.
He's an obvious defensive beast, with his steals record at SMU, but he also is a do-it-all type of player for the Sooners. He seems to be a great fit as he was the only player in the NCAA last season to have three games with 20-plus points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals.
Edwards fills out OU's roster and is part of a couple odd additions. The Sooners added center Akoldah Gak from the NBA's G-League and is 24 years old.
The Sooners recently competed in Puerto Rico and had a few impressive players, including freshman Gage Mayfield. With the addition of Edwards, the Sooners appear to be in a great spot to compete in the SEC this season, barring any eligibility changes with Edwards and Gak.
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"He fits how we want to play with his ability to push the tempo, make plays for his teammates, and play with or without the ball," Moser said. "He is also a two-time conference all-defensive team selection who will instantly help us with his ability to guard multiple positions on the floor.
"Most importantly, he's unselfish, he cares about winning and he's going to make the guys around him better. Those are the types of guys you want in your locker room."
