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Madison vs. Waynesville
Better than the original?
Friday, February 20, 2009
Bill Edwards Sr. (left) made his mark as the top scorer and rebounder in the history of Wright State basketball, following that up with a pro career. His son, Bill Jr., is a senior at Middletown High School and may be able to do even more on the court.MIDDLETOWN — The play was called the "Quick Down."
When the Wright State Raiders needed a basket, they'd feed the ball to Bill Edwards, who was posted up on the low block.
The 6-foot-8, 220-pound small forward would drop-step and roll to the baseline for a bank shot or spin in the lane for a finger-roll layup. Other times, he'd turn and face the basket for a "Baby J" or simply finish a power move with a thunderous dunk.
Edwards scored the most points (2,303), grabbed the most rebounds (907) and generated the highest career scoring average (20.1 per game) in Wright State hoops history during a career (1989-93) that triggered his induction in the Raiders' Hall of Fame (1998) and a big, fat bank account playing professionally overseas.
He was Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside, earning his reputation as "Dollar Bill" with all the creative ways he would score. And he passed all the magic on to his son — Middletown High School senior Bill Edwards Jr. — who is simply a chip off the ol' block.
Just like dad
The multitalented Middie averages 17 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, and shoots 50.2 percent (106-of-211) from the field, 43.3 percent (26-of-60) from behind the 3-point arc and 78.1 percent (50-of-64) from the foul line.
"He does it all," Middletown assistant head coach Doug Jemison said. "He's very versatile. He can play inside, outside, handle the ball. ... He's just an all-around good player."
The physical features of 37-year-old Bill Sr. and 17-year-old Bill Jr. are strikingly similar. Right-handed Bill Sr. was long and lean when he played, while his 6-7, 230-pound left-handed son is slightly thicker, more tight end-ish. Nevertheless, it's almost as if "Dollar Bill" cloned another cash crop.
The difference in their games? Bill Jr. can do more, if that's possible. Like play all five positions. Although he's projected as a natural "3" — small forward — in college, he's the Middies point guard because nobody passes the ball better than William Allen Edwards Jr.
"He's a complete player," Bill Sr. said. "He's very unselfish and he's really turned into a leader. I just told him the game of (college) basketball is 40 minutes. You've got to be able to do more than one thing. He's the kind of kid who's talented enough to do whatever he wants on the court.
"He's kind of like I was. The game comes easy and natural to him, so at times it looks like he's not really playing hard because he's so talented."
Driven to succeed
Standing near the top of the key, Bill Jr. is an imposing presence. But he doesn't stay stationary. When he's not swishing 3s, he's driving into the lane, finishing with floaters, flipping two-handed, alley-oop passes to his teammates, firing bullet-passes on the money, and banging inside for stickbacks.
"People wonder the last couple years why we play him outside so much," Jemison said. "He's the best player we have at seeing the floor and seeing everybody. There's not many big guys who handle the ball as well as he does."
And there aren't many players with Bill Jr.'s background. He was born in Middletown on July 8, 1991, but lived abroad with Bill Sr., who spent one season (1993-94) with the Sioux Falls (S.D.) Skyforce of the Continental Basketball Association before launching a 13-year pro career (1994-2007) that took him to Italy, Greece, France, Spain, Germany and Israel.
"I remember the Fisher-Price basketball set my dad bought me when I was a kid, and I remember going to the Wright State games, being out there in warm-ups with my dad, holding a basketball that was bigger than me. Growing up in Europe didn't hurt, either.
"I lived in France, Italy and Greece, and met all kinds of professional players like Peja Stojakovic (New Orleans Hornets) and Andrei Kirilenko (Utah Jazz). It was great growing up in a basketball background and being able to be around those guys."
History maker
Bill Sr. fell in love with Rome. He was on hand for Pope John Paul II's Papal Blessing in St. Peter's Square. Bill Jr.'s favorite city is Athens, Greece, where he toured The Parthenon on the Acropolis.
"The memories are special," Bill Jr. said. "A lot of history."
Pretty soon, his prep career will be history, and he'll move on to college. Until then, he wants to make more memories, more Middie magic.
"I'm just waiting on the best fit," he said about college. "Whatever opens up for me and I think is best, that's what I'm going to take. I'm just taking it a day at a time and focusing on winning a state championship."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Bill Edwards Jr.
School: Middletown H.S.
Year: Senior
Position: Guard/Forward
Ht./Wt.: 6-foot-7/230 pounds
Birthday: July 8, 1991
Full name: William Allen Edwards Jr.
Nickname: "Little Bill"
Personal: Parents are Bill Sr. (Wright State hall-of-famer) and Glenetta Patton, who played basketball at Sinclair C.C. ... Bill Sr. is WSU's career scoring (2,303) and rebounding (907) leader who played one season in the CBA (1993-94) — including three games with the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers — before spending 13 seasons in Europe. ... Bill Sr. owns Edwards Bros. Reception Hall in Middletown, (513) 373-9282.
Scouting Report: "He's real developed and very well-schooled," said Brian Snow of Rivals.com. "There's really nothing on the court he can't do. It's just that (scouts) want him to do it consistently, and he's finally doing it. He can shoot out to 3-point range, but is probably at his best going to the rim. He's very powerful and can really pass the ball. He's very smart. He knows to make the right pass and can handle the ball in space and under pressure. He can really just fill up a stat sheet."
Comments
By RNF18
May 6, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this
Welcome to the family Bill! Make us proud on and off the court! WE ARE!!!
By L
March 16, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this
If someone decides to post a comment,can they please spell correctly? All this shows is their lack of intelligence and mainly their jealously of this star player. Give the kid a break. He is his own person and will prove himself by his own fruits. Not those of his family. Not everyone comes from a perfect family, but they can make the choice to be better, and work for it. I wish Bill Jr. the best! Keep up the good work!
By St. Louis
March 13, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this
New baby mama, most of his immediate family member are unemployed, living with each other and what to be adults. Sad, Sad, Sad.
By LW
March 13, 2009 9:26 AM | Link to this
I was very happy to read about Bill Jr.’s talent! I grew up watching Bill Sr. compete in many sports. He is very intelligent and talented not just in basketball. I am glad to see that his son has taken on his characteristics. I am sure his father will be there to guide him thru any mistakes and offer sound advice from exeperience. I am very happy and proud to see them both doing so well. The sky’s the limit for this boy. I am sure his mother is very proud!
By MHS Classmate
March 8, 2009 1:37 PM | Link to this
No, No, correction. I go to school with little bill he is not the same guy or player because the home front is an unhappy place to be. He when from a gpa of close to a 4.0 to a 2.5. Now let’s tell the truth his scouting options have changed that is one of the main reasons he has not selected a school and his family is being so private about it.
By Blasted Off
March 8, 2009 10:09 AM | Link to this
Seriously, sounds like they know the family bad track record.!!!!!!!
By Seriously
March 8, 2009 1:00 AM | Link to this
In the article his father said he had all his money RIGHT. He is broke and has major money problems. I give it 5 years he will be like most of the pro-athletes that come out of Middletown.
By Seriously
March 8, 2009 12:55 AM | Link to this
I hope the apple falls far from the tree. I hope he does not make the same mistakes as his father Bill Edwards Sr, Uncle’s Rob Edwards, Anthony Edwards with a lot of women and babies, and broke
By Ms. Know
February 24, 2009 1:02 PM | Link to this
The bottom line is he is the ONLY player from a GMC school to be listed in 1 or more of the GMC’s top stats. He is the number 1 rebounder & assist man, & in the top 5 for blocks and points. That spells an ALL AROUND player. He is the most humble and respectful young man you will ever meet, so for those who don’t know him, you are very ignorant to speak about him in this manner. He will not be playing in OH, and that message board was when he was playing AAU for NIKE in CALIFORNIA as a FRESHMAN!!
By WSU ALUM
February 23, 2009 8:13 PM | Link to this
i attended Wright State on a baseball scholarship from 92 to 96 and had the pleaseure of watching Mr Edwards play every home game, the man was just an amazing athlete and I am sure the apple dont fall too far from the tree. In most cases the student becomes better than the teacher, but, if he is even 90 percent of what his dad was, he will good pretty well.
By guru
February 21, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this
Im sure Edwards Jr will make the best of his career regardless of what I say. I wish him the best and hope he proves myself and everyone else who shares my opinion wrong. I stand by what I said, and am entitled to my opinion like everyone else. No matter how good Bill is, it takes a team to win and I see Middletown making an early exit from the tourney this year, as usual.
By King
February 20, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this
Well written article. I learned a lot from this. Keep up the good work Chick. Don’t listen to these morons.
By Funds not coming out of your pockets..
February 20, 2009 4:52 PM | Link to this
Guru why worry about where someone else’s child will be headed after his high school years, especially since it is not coming out of your pocket? As his FATHER stated to the above question, Will he stay near home? “I don’t think so”…when the time comes you will know where he is headed..until then get ready for this snow storm you are about to endure this weekend. As for the journal, put a comment link on AK layoffs story that locals are facing AGAIN and stop nosing in a child’s future plans.
By who'saguru?
February 20, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this
hey guru, he was GMC POY last year, will probably be POY this year, has scored over 1000 points in his career and on and on. Scout hasn’t been updated. He is being followed by many schools, the family has been real secretive. interest has come from ACC, Big Ten, and other mid-majors. why don’t you look around, there’s more info out there
By guru
February 20, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this
If your measurement and offer claims are accurate, then you seriously need to notify the scouting services for high school recruits. SCOUT.COM has Bill Jr. as 6’4 and says that Miami(oh), Dayton, and UMASS are the only schools to offer. Either SCOUT is wrong or Bill Jr. has been seriously overrated by local media. BTW, if UD doesnt have a scholarship for him, then that must tell you he isn’t highly regarded at all. I dont think he’s even the top player in this region of the state.
By ChickSucks
February 20, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this
How DDN justifies paying you is unreal. What kind of stupid question is Bill Jr better then Sr? How would anyone know, he hasn’t even finished high school. You are just a terrible writer plain and simple.