Edwards to play for Gonzaga
<p>Glacier’s Ryan Edwards puts up a shot during a home nonconference basketball victory over Whitefish in this Jan. 20, 2012, file photo. Edwards will play his college basketball at Gonzaga.</p>
Glacier High School standout Ryan Edwards has made a verbal commitment to play basketball at Gonzaga University.
The 7-foot, 304-pound center sealed the deal on June 24th, two days after visiting the school.
He becomes the second player to commit to Gonzaga for the class of 2013-2014.
“It was a pretty easy decision,” Edwards said.
“It felt right.”
Edwards plans to major in civil engineering.
He said the basketball and academic programs at the Spokane school were too good to pass up.
“I actually played with the team,” he said of his visit to Gonzaga.
“It was really fun ... a lot faster.”
As a result, he said the one thing he will definitely work on this summer and coming season “is my conditioning.”
Edwards enjoyed a stellar campaign on the court last year as he was just one of three Montana high school juniors named to the Class AA All-State basketball team. He averaged 12.8 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3 blocked shots per game to lead the Wolfpack to the Western AA regular-season title and a trip to the state tournament.
Edwards tallied 13 points and 13 rebounds in a 59-52 opening round win over Great Falls High at state and 23 points and 10 rebounds in a 63-58 semifinal loss to rival Flathead.
He broke into the Glacier varsity starting lineup his sophomore season.
“It’s definitely a good feeling,” Edwards said of having his college plans decided.
“It was a stressful time trying to make everybody happy.”
Montana, Montana State, Boise State and Washington State were also after Edwards.
“It’s huge,” Glacier High School coach Mark Harkins said of Edward’s final decision.
“All at one time,” he said of the offers.
“He was in a big whirlwind.”
Edwards visited Gonzaga and Washington State.
“I sent film to Gonzaga and was in contact with their coaches,” Harkins said.
“He (Edwards) told me: ‘Coach, this is a great fit. I really like the coaches.’”
Harkins said the college coaches raved about Edwards’ footwork and soft hands.
Gonzaga currently has two 7-foot-players in the program — Kelly Olynyk and Przemek Karnowski, a 2012 recruit.
Olynyk is a 238-pound junior from Kamloops, British Columbia.
“His potential is way in front of him,” Harkins said.
“He’s only 17. He’s a baby.
“It’s really cool,” Harkins continued.
“I’m so excited for Ryan.
“He’s one of the most coachable kids I’ve ever been around,” Harkins added.
“He’s awesome and he’s loyal to his teammates.”
Harkins said Edwards could have played AAU summer basketball, but elected to stay in the valley and work out with his teammates.
“He wanted to play with his guys,” Harkins said.
“He wants the team to do well.”
Make that really well.
“Definitely go out and win a state championship,” Edwards said of how he’d love to finish his prep career.