Meet the NBA centre Jesse Edwards who got married the day before flying to Australia, NBL on Disney+, Minnesota Timberwolves, Netherlands
Loading
“I played for the national team for two weeks – four games – and had my wedding before I flew away,” Edwards said.
“It was the biggest thing I’ve done in such a short time, but it was so much fun.
“It was a short engagement of six or seven weeks.
“I wanted to propose for a while, but after that the wedding would happen pretty quickly and wherever I went, it would be handy for us to get a visa together.
“So it was going to be pretty quick just for that reason, but we saw that it was going to be a wedding, and then in two years we were going to have a big party, a big event – it was only 10 to 15 people. It was really small, but it was really good.
“HE [Quirine] “He had some ideas, but he was humble about coming up with ideas early and then having a nice celebration.”
Melbourne United has helped the likes of Jock Landale, Ariel Hukporti, Jack White and Luke Travers prepare for the NBA, and Edwards joining the team was a big selling point.
“Stepping on the field was so special. It feels like you’re in a video game, like you’re on TV. It’s special.”
Jesse Edwards plays in the NBA.
He spent last season on a two-way contract with the NBA Timberwolves, playing most of the season in the G-League for Iowa and then starting two games for Minnesota.
Australian rookie center Rocco Zikarsky is now a two-way player with the Wolves and the pair compared notes on the NBL while training together in the off-season.
Edwards is still excited about becoming the third Dutch player to debut in the NBA last season, but now wants a full-time roster spot.
“Even during pre-season training matches, you get butterflies in your stomach,” he explained.
“The NBA was the thing you saw and remembered the most as a kid. It’s a little different from other places you’ve played.”
“Stepping on the field was so special. It feels like you’re in a video game, like you’re on TV. It’s special.”
Edwards could have sought more lucrative offers in Europe, where he could play as a local player rather than an import in the NBL, but he chose Melbourne and has no regrets.
Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman is excited about where Edwards could be.
“There are levels we can continue to add to his game; he’s not a finished product, he still has a big upside,” Vickerman told NBL media.
Edwards now wants to use the Australian summer as a way back to the US, so he’s been working hard on his physicality, rebounding, defensive work and shooting.
“That’s the goal,” Edwards said of returning to the NBA.
“Wherever I am, I’ll focus on the team here, but that’s my long-term goal, to get back into the league, improve, show my value and get back out there, but I’m really happy to be here.
“I don’t expect to get out of here.”
News, results and expert analysis from the sports weekend are delivered every Monday. Sign up for our sports newsletter.
