Mason Wittner (Staff Writer)
Bill Edwards will be the second former Miami (OH) basketball player to follow his former assistant coach, Jimmy Lallathin, down south in as many seasons.
Edwards, a 6-foot-6, 245 pound forward, is expected to make an immediate impact both on the court and in the locker room.
“Bill is bringing a ton of experience and maturity to our program,” said head coach Jimmy Lallathin in a statement to KSUOwls.com. “He’s intelligent and passionate in the game and can play multiple positions. I’m familiar with Bill and he’s familiar with me from my time at Miami, so it’s a great fit for a one-year deal. He’s going to be a major contributor for us throughout the season.”
Edwards’ path is similar to former Redhawk Drew McGhee, who came to Kennesaw State last year with a year of eligibility remaining and hoped for increased playing time as a graduate student.
McGhee’s plan fell through when he suffered a career-ending leg injury in the team’s first exhibition game.
Edwards transferred to Miami (OH) after his freshman year at Penn State and was forced to redshirt his sophomore season due to NCAA transfer guidelines. After having his first two seasons with the Redhawks cut short due to injuries (wrist in 2011 and a knee in 2012) Bill averaged 7.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in 2013.
“I think he’s going to be a terror against zones, he’s a guy that can read and understand where to get in to the holes of zones” Lallathin told KSUOwlHowl.com. “I really see the offense facilitating through him when he’s on the floor.”
The Owls hope Edwards’ experience, offensive prowess, and leadership qualities will transfer over as Lallathin looks to right the ship in his first season as the team’s head coach.
Kennesaw State was in turmoil for most of last year, finishing 6-25 amidst the mid-season departure of former coach Lewis Preston. Lallathin took over as interim in January and led the Owls to three conference wins, just as many as Preston had in two seasons.
Aside from reconnecting with Edwards, Lallathin also courted former North Cobb High standout Jordan Neff, a former Florida Gulf Coast Eagle, as well as former Quinnipiac guard Kendrick Ray. Ray will redshirt this season, per NCAA rules. Neff, who’s coming off an injury of his own, is awaiting an official response on his eligibility.
