Grant Edwards is in his senior year with the Oktaha Tigers after transferring from Fort Gibson, and Tigers’ coach Dirk Walden is glad he made the move.
“Grant is a great student and a great leader for us,” Walden said. “He’s our leading 3-point shooter, and you never have to worry about his effort or his attitude. He sets a great example for the younger players with his work ethic in practice and at games.”
For Edwards, meshing into his new surroundings was pretty easy.
“My cousin Maddox plays on the team and I played AAU ball with a lot of these guys during the summer, so fitting in was pretty smooth,” Edwards said. “I started playing basketball when I was about five because my sister played, and we had a goal in the yard, and I think I finally got more use out of it than she did. Then I started playing AAU ball in the third grade and that really helped me with my self-confidence.”
Growing up, Edwards says he was an avid fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“I grew up enjoying watching Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook play, and now that they’re gone, I’m a Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander) fan,” said the shooting guard, who is a member of the National Honor Society.
Edwards has some fond memories of his time on the hardwood.
“My sophomore year at Fort Gibson in regionals we were playing Seminole at their place, and we were down at halftime. I came out and hit a couple of 3s and a jumper that gave us the lead and we went on to win,” Edwards said. “I also remember the game last year against Vian when I had 17 points and hit the shot that put the game into overtime.”
Edwards is also a team leader who appreciates the value of helping teach the ropes to the future Tiger stars.
“I work a lot with the younger kids to help make them better because they guard us in practice, so if they don’t come to work ready we won’t be well prepared as a varsity squad,” he said. “I think a good leader shows good body language and plays the same regardless of the score and can move on after a bad play or bad call.”
Edwards credits his dad, coaches, and family for always pushing him to be better and to motivate him.
