Skyforce Top Choice Edwin Is Top Flight Defender

Consistent excellence is what will get you a slot on an NBA roster.  For Fuquan Edwin, his ability to defend might get him there very soon.  

In fact, Edwin raised the curiosity of the defending champion San Antonio Spurs.  The reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Year was signed near the end of the preseason, but the relationship didn’t last.

Considering since leaving Seton Hall as their all-time leader in steals, Edwin has been a man on the move in the professional game.  Oklahoma City got a taste of the 6-6 guard’s talent during Summer League.  There was also a brief stint in Italy cut short by injury.

Should Sioux Falls be just a rest stop or a prolonged visit during Edwin’s basketball odyssey, at least one person has jumped on the bandwagon.  Edwin says NBA veteran Henry Walker has reached out with strong support.

“After every practice, (Walker) tells me, ‘You’re a good player.  If you slow down (your pace) you’ll get better.’  He watched me throughout my college career.”  Edwin admits that Walker’s endorsement makes an impact.  “Taking stuff like that from great players like him is building my confidence.”

One other boost to Edwin’s self-esteem is comparisons to other players who have made their mark.  With the aforementioned Spurs, there were whispers of Bruce Bowen when observing Edwin’s game.  From the Skyforce perspective, DeAndre Liggins now becomes the standard.  It’s very early in the process, but Edwin knows following up the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in the D-League will be a tough challenge.  “I did my own research (on the Skyforce).  I had seen that the team had a good defensive player like (Liggins).  I know coming in that I have a lot on my shoulders if I try to do what he did.”

For someone who led the NCAA in steals as a sophomore at “The Hall” there are so many elements to being a great defender.  “Keeping my hands active is important so that I can get deflections and challenging people mentally is something that I’m good at.”  If Edwin can continue developing enough good things, it could turn into something great.

Follow the link below for a complete edition of the chat with Fuquan Edwin.