RECONNECTING WITH JAYSON ANDERSON EDWARDS

I was able to get a hold of Jayson Anderson Edwards who came back to the United States because of the Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic. He was staying in Frankfurt, Germany.

He flew back to the United States on Thursday, Oct. 29 because of the pandemic. Edwards told me, “As soon as I touched down, I connected with my skills trainer, Jonathan Brown. I improved on my basic skill set. We usually work on my shooting mechanics and technique. Enhance shooting off the dribble and simply basic ball handling. On my own, I put in the work. I am fortunate enough to have a gym inside my garage, where I can lift weights and do cardiovascular exercises. As a point guard overseas, it is important for me to stay sharp.”

He told me that his next plan is, “I stay ready for the upcoming season in Germany. Where I will have the opportunity to participate with the club Nue-Isenburg. A city near Frankfurt. I will return to Frankfurt Germany in December. I will get acclimated with the culture, the language and just enjoy time with my teammates. At this time there is no idea when the season will reopen due to COVID-19. There has been rumors that they may continue the season in February if the COVID rates lower. We will see.

He also told me that, “I will go wherever ball bounces to be honest. I am not really focused on jumping around but to lay a foundation and a name for myself in Germany. This is a place I can see myself living and improving as a man. My goal is to make an immediate impact to a team that needs a winning Point Guard. This will improve their record and will jump the team to a higher league.

Edwards was also able to explain the pro basketball leagues in Europe. “Germany is in the EuroBasket. Within the EuroBasket, there are several leagues a player can play in. From the lowest league to the best league. BBL, ProA, ProB and 1/2.R-LIGA to lowest League Landisliga. These leagues are considered pro leagues and have numerous of outstanding players. American players you play against and several players not only from Germany, but guys from Croatia, France and Italy. It can be difficult to understand so I advise people to do your research. On teams, players, leagues. You will gain more knowledge.”

He also told me, “For my first time being in Europe and seeing how the game is played I had the opportunity to play with Ts Frankfurt Griesheim which is 1/2.R-Liga. I believe this is a league I belong in and I can see myself improving within years. My goal is ProB, it is a vision that I have and the goals that I set out for myself that I have to get done no matter what.”

I also asked him, “Is there anything else you want people to know about your travels overseas or overseas basketball?” He told me, “You really have to understand being an overseas basketball player is tougher than it seems. The 17-20hr flights across the water. Not being able to watch Sunday Minnesota Vikings football games because of the time difference. Not only are you away from your friends and family, but sometimes even after games, it is even hard to find a regular face in the crowd to celebrate with. The language barrier there is much different. Food is cooked quite different from America, but I would say it is healthier. Overall, it is all about how you see things. The process.... You must fall in love with the process and loving the journey is the reason why I played today’s game.”

CATCHING UP WITH JAYSON ANDERSON EDWARDS

I was able to email Jayson Anderson Edwards who played at Benilde St.Margaret's High School in St. Louis Park. I asked him where he is playing now? Are you playing now? He told me, “Currently living in Frankfurt, Germany. I have had the opportunity to try out with a few teams after a breakout game against TVO Biggesee. (22 pts, 7 reb)

He told me that after he graduated high school, “I played college basketball after finishing high school. I also had a son; Kayden was born May 17, 2019.”

He graduated from Robbinsdale Cooper in 2015 and played division one junior college at Lake Region State in North Dakota.

He is currently staying in Frankfurt, Germany.

I was able to ask him,” How has COVID-19 affected basketball where you are playing?” He told me “COVID never affected my season for basketball here but it did make it difficult to fly to Europe."

During the Covid-19 pandemic, he told me that, “I’ve had time to self-reflect on my goals and ambitions and creatively finding ways to stay healthy. Also, value the time with my family.

He wanted to let people know about his playing career that, “I’m a fearless guard that loves to compete. Some shocked how well I can score despite my height disadvantage.”

He said that his typical day looks like, “I wake up 7 am go on a run 2 for miles and jump rope. Eat breakfast at around 915 AM. Then individual workout from 945-1145 AM. I go to lunch. After lunch, I lift heavy weights from 2-4 PM. Go back to the hotel eat dinner then I will have practice with a team who calls me.”

Edwards looks to keep up with the Covid-19 pandemic and looks to get back to playing soon.

JAYSON EDWARDS WINTER 2013 JR. YEAR HIGHLIGHT DYNAMIC POINT GUARD

2015 Point Guard Jayson Edwards

JAYSON ANDERSON EDWARDS BASKETBALL AND LIFE

Jayson Anderson Edwards is a student athlete who attends Benilde St.Margaret's High School  in St. Louis Park where he will graduate in 2015.

This summer Edwards is playing for Get Shook Elite. I was able to do a Q&A with Edwards over the internet.

Do you have a top 5-10 list of schools you like?

Jayson: Kansas, Missouri, Northern Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

How strong are your academics? Can you share with us your GPA?

Jayson: Coming to a college prep school my sophomore year is helping me out a lot for my future. My GPA is 3.0

Describe your game for coaches and fans that have not seen you up close?

Jayson: I like to push the tempo. If we don’t have anything, I bring it out. I am a shifty player and I know how to look for my teammates. I believe I am a great floor general.

Do you have any siblings?


Jayson: I have a older sister named Bryana. She was a very fast track runner in her high school days. She is now a personal trainer at Lifetime Fitness.

How is your season going? Can you share with us your averages?


Jayson: It’s been a rough season but we continue to work and get better each day. Right now I’m averaging 16 points per game and 5 assists.

What schools have offered you?


Jayson: No one has offered, but some have expressed interest.

What schools have shown strong interest?

Jayson: Northern Iowa & Nebraska

What schools have you visited? Do you have any visits planned in the near future?

Jayson: I have plans that I will visit in the summer.

Do you care about the location of your school?

Jayson: No

What part of your game do you feel you need to improve on the most?

Jayson: My mental part of the game

Who are some of the mentors that got you to where you are at right now?

Jayson: My mom


What are your strengths on the floor?

Jayson:
 I am a true floor general and I know how to create. I love pushing the tempo on defense and making my defender uncomfortable.

How hard do you work on your game? How much time do you put in? When did you first pick up a ball?


Jayson: I work on my game as much as I can. I put in a lot of hard hours. I wake up at 5:00am to start out the day.

What are your short term goals as a basketball player? What are some of the long term goals as a player?

Jayson: My short term goals are to win state for my high school of Benilde. Long term goals is to play college ball.

Give me the most memorable moment of your basketball career?

Jayson: My first dunk.

Do you have a facebook or a twitter that you would like to share with us?


Jayson: Yes, Jayson Edwards on Facebook and JaysonEdwards_1 on Twitter

Are you Nike or Adidas, what’s your favorite?


Jayson: I love Adidas but I would say Nike right now.

GET TO KNOW JAYSON ANDERSON EDWARDS

Jayson Anderson Edwards was born on December 3, 1996 in Minneapolis Minnesota. He has one older sister.

Edwards started playing basketball in the 6^th grade. He currently attends Benilde St. Margaret's High School where he will graduate in 2015.

After high school he wants to play basketball in college and has a lot of options. He would like to play at Kansas University.

In his free time you can find him spending time in the gym and hanging out with his friends and family or listening to hip-hop and R&B music.

He plays the game for the love of the game. Edwards is a fun player to watch on the court. He handles the ball well and knows how to get his teammates involved in the game. Edwards will be a force on the Benilde St. Margaret's High School basketball team.