Kentucky signees DJ Wagner, Justin Edwards named Naismith player of the year finalists
A future Naismith High School Boys Player of the Year may be joining Kentucky's roster next season.
Wildcats basketball fans already know the names, though.
Highly touted 2023 signees DJ Wagner and Justin Edwards were named finalists for the national award Thursday, taking up two of the five spots. They are also two of the biggest names in coach John Calipari's No. 1-ranked recruiting class that has already received much hype.
The duo is joined by five-star prospects: guards Isaiah Collier (Southern California) and Ron Holland (Texas) , and forward Cameron Boozer (uncommitted).
🚨IT’S HERE🚨
The final 5️⃣ of our @jerseymikes Naismith Boys’ High School POY Finalists are OUT NOW 🏆
Check it out 👇
🔗: https://t.co/qsC8zKQPTJ pic.twitter.com/JDX0AobiPq— Naismith Awards (@NaismithTrophy) February 16, 2023
Another future Cat, Aaron Bradshaw was one of 10 semifinalists announced in January.
If either Wagner or Edwards claims the trophy, they would be the first Kentucky commit to do so since Ron Mercer won in 1995. Mercer is the only Wildcat to be named the Naismith high school player of the year.
The winner of the award will be announced March 3.
For more on Kentucky basketball's 2023 recruiting class:
➤ Recruiting expert predicts what 2023 class means for Kentucky basketball
➤ How the '23 class compares to the best recruiting classes in UK history
➤ Robert Dillingham joins Wildcats
➤ Analyzing Kentucky basketball signee Justin Edwards' game
Follow assistant sports editor Jake Adams on Twitter @jakeadams520 or email him at jadams@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball: DJ Wagner, Justin Edwards are Naismith finalists
