The Valparaiso University men’s basketball program has announced the addition of Jaxon Edwards, a transfer from Murray State University who will join head coach Roger Powell Jr.’s program as a sophomore for the 2023-24 season.

The 6-foot-6 guard from Indianapolis played in 11 games during his rookie campaign, knocking down 50 percent of his field-goal tries. He earned a spot on the Indiana All-Star team and was twice named Indiana All-State during his standout prep career at Cathedral. He was a McDonald’s All-American nominee following his senior season.

“The coaching staff played a big role in my decision to come to Valpo,” Edwards said. “They were all very genuine and wanted me to come to Valpo and become a better player. They talked about making me a better young man. Coach Powell and I talked about his strong faith. He wants to help young men be the best people they can be. The other coaches talked about how they have all been winners in the past and have the ability to keep winning. They want to help me be the best person I can be on and off the court.”  

In 2021-22, Edwards helped lead Cathedral to the Indiana 4A state tournament championship. He averaged 10.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists while hitting 3s at a 40.8 percent clip. Edwards played for D1 Indiana on the Under Armour Circuit for head coach Brian Keeton.

“I would say my explosiveness on the defensive and offensive ends would be the strength of my game,” Edwards said. “My strengths include rebounding, shooting and driving to the basket. My midrange game is very good. My pull-up is one of my favorite types of shots. I’m here to work hard, play hard and do everything I can to win and achieve the goals that the team has.”

Edwards, a sports marketing major, played football up until high school but stopped after eighth grade when he injured his hand. He lists his favorite basketball memories as winning state his senior year and getting his first “poster” dunk this year in college.

“I’m extremely excited about this young man coming back to the state of Indiana,” Powell said. “He’s fired up to compete and make a statement in the Missouri Valley Conference. His athleticism, versatility and winning pedigree are all attributes that we were looking for in putting together our roster.”

During his junior year of high school, Edwards averaged 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists while competing in one of the nation’s top areas for high school basketball. He was a finalist for the Indiana Junior All-Star team. He excelled in big games, scoring 17 points in the Indianapolis City Championship against Crispus Attucks and 19 against the top team in Class 2A, Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian.

“My goal is to be part of the MVC Most-Improved Team and help our team work toward winning a championship,” Edwards said. “It’s a whole new squad, and I’m excited to make the teammates around me better.”