University of Georgia Athletics
Photo by: Getty Images
Edwards Helps USA Top New Zealand In World Cup Opener
August 26, 2023 | Men's Basketball
Former Bulldog has 14 points, game-high 7 boards in victory
MANILA, Philippines — Former Georgia Bulldog Anthony Edwards scored 14 points and grabbed a game-high seven rebounds to help the USA National Team defeat New Zealand, 99-72, in the Americans' opening game of the FIBA World Cup on Saturday.
Edwards started and scored 14 points by converting 5-of-7 2-point shots and 4-of-7 trips to the line. In addition, he notched three assists and a steal in 24 minutes of action.
The Americans led just 19-18 following the first quarter before Edwards helped seize control. He scored eight points in the second period, becoming the first of six Americans to reach double figures, as the lead expanded to 45-36 at the intermission.
The USA will return to action on Monday when it faces Greece at 8:00 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The Americans' third outing of the initial group stage will be on Wednesday at 4:40 a.m. ET, also on ESPN2. The second round of group phase play will be from Aug. 31-Sept. 3, followed by the final round of competition from Sept. 5-10.
Edwards was the USA's leading scorer in its five-game exhibition tour to prepare for the World Cup. He averaged 19.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, a team-leading 2.0 steals and shot 51 percent from the field in those outings.
Edwards, an Atlanta native, was the nation's top-scoring freshman and earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors in one season at Georgia during 2019-20. He scored 610 points – the 10th-most ever by an SEC freshman – and averaged 19.1 points per game.
Edwards was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and has emerged as one of the NBA's budding superstars over the last three seasons. He led the Minnesota Timberwolves to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023 and was named an NBA All-Star last season.
FIBA's World Cup is contested every four years and is considered the flagship event of FIBA, the sport's world governing body. The USA improved to 130-29 all-time in World Cup play with Saturday's win. The Americans have won five Gold Medals in 18 editions of the event, last doing so in 2014.
Edwards started and scored 14 points by converting 5-of-7 2-point shots and 4-of-7 trips to the line. In addition, he notched three assists and a steal in 24 minutes of action.
The Americans led just 19-18 following the first quarter before Edwards helped seize control. He scored eight points in the second period, becoming the first of six Americans to reach double figures, as the lead expanded to 45-36 at the intermission.
The USA will return to action on Monday when it faces Greece at 8:00 a.m. ET on ESPN2. The Americans' third outing of the initial group stage will be on Wednesday at 4:40 a.m. ET, also on ESPN2. The second round of group phase play will be from Aug. 31-Sept. 3, followed by the final round of competition from Sept. 5-10.
Edwards was the USA's leading scorer in its five-game exhibition tour to prepare for the World Cup. He averaged 19.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, a team-leading 2.0 steals and shot 51 percent from the field in those outings.
Edwards, an Atlanta native, was the nation's top-scoring freshman and earned SEC Freshman of the Year honors in one season at Georgia during 2019-20. He scored 610 points – the 10th-most ever by an SEC freshman – and averaged 19.1 points per game.
Edwards was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and has emerged as one of the NBA's budding superstars over the last three seasons. He led the Minnesota Timberwolves to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2022 and 2023 and was named an NBA All-Star last season.
FIBA's World Cup is contested every four years and is considered the flagship event of FIBA, the sport's world governing body. The USA improved to 130-29 all-time in World Cup play with Saturday's win. The Americans have won five Gold Medals in 18 editions of the event, last doing so in 2014.
Georgia Men's Basketball Catchings and Millender - NCAAs Pregame Presser vs St. Louis
Wednesday, March 18
Georgia Men's Basketball: Coach White - NCAAs Pregame Presser vs St. Louis
Wednesday, March 18
Georgia Men's Basketball -Millender, Cain, and Coach White Pre NCAA Tournament
Sunday, March 15
Georgia Men's Basketball - SEC Tournament Post Game Press Conference vs Ole Miss
Friday, March 13