Early Life in Atlanta: Born to Defy the Odds
Anthony DeVante Edwards was born on August 5, 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia, a city known for producing elite basketball talent. Raised in a challenging environment, Anthony—known as “Ant” from a young age—was no stranger to hardship. At just 14, he lost both his mother, Yvette, and grandmother, Shirley, to cancer within an eight-month span. Their death became the emotional core of his journey. To honor them, Edwards wears the number 5, representing the day both women died—his grandmother on the 5th and his mother on the 5th of a different month.
Despite the heartbreak, he remained focused and determined. Raised primarily by his older brother and sister, Ant grew up in a tight-knit family environment. His natural athleticism became evident early on. Interestingly, basketball wasn’t even his first love—football was. As a child, he played quarterback and running back and was regarded as one of the best youth football players in the state.
However, around the age of 14, he shifted his full attention to basketball, a decision that would change his life forever.
Summary Table: Anthony Edwards at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anthony DeVante Edwards |
| Nickname | Ant-Man |
| Date of Birth | August 5, 2001 |
| Place of Birth | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Weight | 225 pounds (102 kg) |
| Position | Shooting Guard / Small Forward |
| NBA Team | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| NBA Draft | 2020: Round 1, Pick 1 by the Minnesota Timberwolves |
| College | University of Georgia (2019–2020) |
| Notable Achievements | NBA All-Star (2023, 2024), All-Rookie First Team (2021), Team USA Member |
| @theanthonyedwards_ |
High School Stardom and Recruiting Buzz
Edwards attended Therrell High School before transferring to Holy Spirit Preparatory School in Atlanta. There, his game exploded. With a muscular frame, elite athleticism, and scoring instincts, he quickly became one of the most talked-about high school players in the country.
By his senior year, Edwards had become a 5-star recruit, ranked among the top 3 players in the ESPN Top 100 for the class of 2019. He averaged over 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, and scouts were amazed by his combination of strength, quickness, and fearlessness.
In a somewhat surprising decision, Edwards committed to the University of Georgia, choosing to stay close to home rather than join blue blood programs like Kentucky or North Carolina. The move made him the highest-rated recruit to ever sign with Georgia and elevated the Bulldogs’ profile nationally.
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College Career at Georgia: The Lone Star
Anthony Edwards played one season (2019–2020) at the University of Georgia, and while the team struggled overall, his personal performances cemented his status as a top NBA prospect.
He averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game and was named the SEC Freshman of the Year. His most iconic college performance came during the Maui Invitational against Michigan State, where he scored 33 points in the second half alone, showcasing his ability to take over games.
Though Georgia finished with a losing record, Edwards’ individual brilliance was evident. NBA scouts loved his physical profile, elite shot creation, and competitiveness. There were concerns about consistency and shot selection, but his superstar potential was undeniable.
2020 NBA Draft: The First Overall Pick
On November 18, 2020, Anthony Edwards was selected #1 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2020 NBA Draft. It was a historic moment—not just for the franchise but for Edwards himself, who became the fifth Georgia Bulldog ever drafted in the first round and the first No. 1 pick in school history.
Drafted during the COVID-19 pandemic, his rookie year came with challenges: no Summer League, limited training camp, and an abridged season. Still, Ant came in ready to prove himself.
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Rookie Season (2020–21): A Star in the Making
Despite a slow start, Anthony Edwards quickly adapted to the pace of the NBA. He averaged 19.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists across 72 games, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
His high-flying dunks, fearless drives, and magnetic personality quickly turned him into a fan favorite. One of the most unforgettable highlights was his poster dunk over Yuta Watanabe, a moment that went viral and signaled his arrival as one of the league’s most explosive players.
Even in a pandemic-altered season, Edwards managed to capture attention and set the tone for what would become a breakout trajectory.
Sophomore Surge and Leadership Role (2021–22)
In his second season, Edwards leveled up. He improved his scoring to 21.3 points per game, increased his three-point shooting percentage, and started to assert himself more as a two-way player. His effort on defense also became more noticeable, especially under the guidance of coach Chris Finch.
Playing alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell, Edwards emerged as the emotional leader of the Timberwolves. His charisma, honesty in interviews, and love for the game reminded many of a young Dwyane Wade or Donovan Mitchell.
That season, the Timberwolves returned to the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2018. Though they were eliminated by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, Edwards averaged 25.2 points and proved himself a clutch performer on the big stage.
2022–23: All-Star Breakthrough and Franchise Cornerstone
The 2022–23 season marked a new phase for Anthony Edwards: superstardom.
He averaged 24.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game and was selected to his first NBA All-Star Game. His consistency, especially with Towns missing significant time, kept Minnesota competitive throughout the year.
By now, Ant wasn’t just an athletic phenom—he was a refined offensive weapon. He improved his mid-range game, developed a reliable pull-up jumper, and remained one of the league’s best finishers at the rim.
He was also selected to Team USA’s roster for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where he emerged as the team’s primary scorer and emotional leader. Despite Team USA falling short of a medal, Edwards averaged 18.9 points per game and drew praise from legends like Steve Kerr and Tyrese Haliburton, who called him “the future face of the league.”
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2023–24 and Beyond: Built for Greatness
Heading into the 2023–24 season, Anthony Edwards was widely viewed as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. He continued to evolve as a leader, particularly on a Timberwolves team boasting elite defensive personnel like Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels.
Edwards’ combination of elite scoring, defensive tenacity, and unshakeable confidence made him a nightmare matchup. He frequently took over games in the fourth quarter, and his swagger—without arrogance—made fans and teammates rally behind him.
By early 2024, analysts and fans alike began to include Edwards in MVP conversations, not just for his numbers but for his clear impact on both ends of the floor.
Off the Court: Humor, Heart, and Humility
One of Anthony Edwards’ most beloved traits is his authentic personality. Whether he’s giving a hilarious postgame interview, showing love to his teammates, or joking with reporters, Edwards has remained refreshingly real in a media-driven world.
He’s known for his love of fried chicken, humorous one-liners, and unwavering confidence. When asked if there was anyone who could guard him, he once smiled and said, “No.” That mix of charm and competitiveness makes him a favorite among players and fans alike.
In 2022, he signed a lucrative extension with Adidas and became one of the brand’s faces in global marketing campaigns. Despite his growing fame, he remains grounded and often speaks about playing for his late mother and grandmother.
Legacy in Progress
At just 23 years old, Anthony Edwards is still writing his NBA legacy. But already, it’s clear he’s on a trajectory toward greatness.
He’s been compared to Dwyane Wade, Donovan Mitchell, and even young Michael Jordan—not just for his skills, but for his competitive fire, fearlessness, and killer instinct. With each passing season, he’s refining his game, expanding his leadership, and pushing the Minnesota Timberwolves into contender territory.
If his early career is any indication, Edwards isn’t just a future star—he’s the present and the future of the NBA.
Anthony Edwards’ journey—from a football-loving kid in Atlanta who lost his mother and grandmother far too soon, to becoming one of the NBA’s most electrifying young superstars—is a powerful testament to perseverance, heart, and natural talent.
With every thunderous dunk, clutch three-pointer, and infectious smile, Edwards continues to win hearts and rewrite expectations. He’s not just an entertainer—he’s a leader, a force, and possibly the next face of the league.
