While some may view Anthony Edwards as a player who makes bold claims and seems overly confident, that approach is an intrinsic part of how he motivates himself to succeed and reach the next level. It’s not a trait he developed after entering the NBA, but one that has defined him since a young age - especially ever since he lost his mother and grandmother in quick succession.
The ability to overcome such excruciating personal setbacks has indeed shaped Ant-Man to be arguably the most electrifying two-way player at the age of 23.
Edwards overcame huge tragedies
During his senior year of high school, Ant showed his mettle by averaging 29.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, deserving of a spot in the USA Today All-USA First Team. As a result, he became a five-star recruit for all top collegiate programs like Kentucky and Kansas. However, rather than choosing one of those high-profile schools, the Atlanta native opted to attend Georgia, prioritizing to stay close to his loved ones rather than represent a team that would give him the most fame.
For the 6’4” shooting guard, family isn’t just important; it is everything. Moreover, his bond with his siblings, who played an extensive role in shaping his character when they raised him, has always run deep.
After losing his mother and grandmother due to cancer, Edwards, who was just in the eighth grade at the time, was so determined that he decided to pursue a career in basketball solely because of his desire to do something grand for his family.
In an interview with ESPN’s Maria Taylor, the two-time All-Star reflected on the bond he shared with his beloved mother and how he continued his miss being pampered as her favorite child - a memory that he would dearly hold for the rest of his life.
"I hold my family as tight as I can because we lost our mom and grandma. So like my sister and brother, they came together, like, listen, we’re going to stick together and get through this. We just all locked in and stayed together… it was heartbreaking," Edwards said. "I was her (his mum's) favorite, so I slept in the bed with her. She’ll bring me food late night when she got off work. All type of stuff like that. If I'm getting into it with my siblings, she'd be like, 'Y’all don’t touch my baby.'"
Edwards always keeps his mother and grandma close
Though he faces considerable pressure as the Timberwolves' leader, the 6’4” shooting guard’s signature smile and bold claims reflect the values his mother and grandmother instilled in him. Their influence taught him to remain unafraid in the face of challenges, to always keep his spirits high, and to stay motivated no matter the circumstances.
"They just raised me to always keep a smile on my face no matter what. I never let nobody bring me down no matter what's going on in life, " Edwards added. "I always try to uplift people."
From choosing to wear jersey No. 5 in college to honor the day his mother and grandma passed away to ensuring he shares a close bond with his siblings, Ant-Man’s aura and persona of always being bold may not resonate with everyone. Nevertheless, for him, it’s a way of signaling to those he’s lost that he will never let his head drop, no matter what life throws his way.
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