Tuesday Headlines: DJ Wagner and Justin Edwards Bounce Back Edition

This was great to see.

By John Morgan Francis@MonJorgan Nov 21, 2023, 6:40am EST

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It’s been no secret that both DJ Wagner and Justin Edwards had severely struggled to start the year for Kentucky. Their efficiency had not been very good and they didn’t look like they were playing with any rhythm. But in Kentucky’s 96-88 overtime win over Saint Joseph’s, both had their best game of this young season.

Wagner tied Tre Mitchell for the team lead in points with 22, while also tying Rob Dillingham for the team lead in assists with six. He added three rebounds, a steal and a block. But most importantly, the ball went through the hoop (7-17 shooting from the floor, 7-8 from the free throw line — which is a massive improvement) and he looked comfortable.

Edwards didn’t take near as many shots, but was heavily efficient when he did shoot the basketball by making four of his six attempts and both free throws to score 12 points. He added three rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block without committing a turnover.

These two players were at the top of Kentucky’s recruiting class coming into the year and as head coach John Calipari pointed out last week, the expectation of both of them may be a tad bit high. But it comes with the territory and Calipari said it’s something both will have to learn to be comfortable with. If that takes time, that’s okay. While fans want their team to play perfect all year, national titles aren’t won in November.

Kentucky retakes the floor on Friday against Marshall at 7 PM ET in Rupp Arena.