NBL legend's high praise for Edwards

Four rounds into the Hungry Jack's NBL26 season and Melbourne's Jesse Edwards has already established himself as one of the competition's top big men.

The Dutch big man, who spent last season with NBA franchise the Minnesota Timberwolves, has been a big part of United's 5-0 start, producing averages of 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

Despite his strong performances, NBL legend Chris Anstey believes Edwards isn't getting the praise he deserves.

"For me, Jesse Edwards might be the second-best big in the NBL [behind JaVale McGee]," Anstey said on Tuesday's episode of NBL Now.

"I say that for a number of reasons, [most notably] he plays above the rim and he finishes incredibly well at the rim.

"Jesse Edwards is just the absolute best fit for a United team that I think got their import combination as correct as they have in a, you know, five or six years this year.

"He fits so well with that team, he's so efficient.

"[He's] what you need from a big, when you have a scoring backcourt is efficiency, and I think of all the guys [in the mix], Jesse Edwards is the most efficient by far."

While the 25-year-old Syracuse alum is happy with his side's start, he knows they have another level to go to in a league he's thoroughly enjoying being a part of.

“The league has been really competitive and a lot of fun to play in," Edwards told Fox Sports News.

"The style is fast, but it’s also very tactical in the half court, which suits my game. It’s a great league to play in and I think it’s just as fun to watch.

"I’m really happy with where we’re at as a team, and obviously, we’re aiming [to keep it going.]"

Edwards and his United outfit next travel to Brisbane for a Round 5 clash on Friday with the Bullets, tipping off at 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.

Read the full story here >> From not touching a basketball until 14... to replacing Ant: Inside rise of NBL’s least likely import