KUTZTOWN, PA (December 7, 2010) - Filled with determination and a will to win, not even a broken hand could stop Nate Edwards (Philadelphia, PA/North Catholic) from returning to play at Kutztown this season.

 

After leaving the game following the 2007-08 season for personal reasons, Edwards has persevered and is finding his place back on the team. After a career night this past Saturday against the University of the Sciences, Edwards and the Golden Bears (4-2 overall) are ready to host the Tigers of Holy Family University (2-5) Wednesday evening at Keystone Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.  

 

A 6-foot guard out of the coveted North Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Edwards was fourth on the team in scoring his sophomore season (2007-08) averaging 10.7 points per contest. He played a major role for head men's basketball coach Bernie Driscoll, adding a prolific outside shooter to the offense and a pesky defender who knew how to pick the pocket of any point guard in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Edwards had 47 steals in nearly 25 minutes per game that season.

 

“I just worked myself until I couldn't work anymore,” said Edwards. “I decided to give it everything I had in everything I did, as coach assured me if I worked hard, I would get my shot to make an impact on this team.”

 

When deciding to return to the team after taking a year off and redshirting, Edwards had to convince Driscoll that he was able to perform both on and off the floor. Getting back in shape this summer was tough on Edwards as he rarely found time to work out and play basketball.

 

“I am happy to have Nate back with the team,” said Driscoll. “He worked extremely hard to get back on the squad and I definitely see a more mature and focused young man.”

 

Unfortunately, all the hard work Edwards had put in both on and off the court couldn't prevent an incident that happened in one of the Golden Bears' practices earlier this year. While running through drills and coming off screens, Edwards' finger got caught up in someone's jersey and bent all the way back. After seeing the trainer and eventually getting an x-ray, he found out that a finger on his non-shooting hand was broken.

 

Many would consider this injury severe, figuring how often you need the use of both your hands while playing basketball. Edwards however, continued to push himself by getting his hand bandaged up and slowly working his way back to full strength. As much as he wanted to get back in the game, he knew he couldn't rush coming back. The coaching staff and Edwards' teammates both were very supportive on him taking time off to heal, as they knew he could make an impact when at full strength. 

 

In just his second game of the season and his first of which playing a significant number of minutes, Edwards dropped a career-high 27 points on 9-for-18 shooting including six made 3-pointers. Playing in his first real game in more than two years, a huge weight was lifted off Edwards' shoulders.

 

“This was the first time I remember being nervous before a game,” said Edwards.  “The night before, I couldn't sleep.  I was just ready to play.  I came in early to workout with Clarence 'Snuggs' Harris and we were taking all the shots I would get in the game.  I said to him jokingly that I would have a big game.  Even though I was joking, I did feel that way.”

 

This year's Golden Bears are a team with many new faces. Between returning players, transfer students, and incoming freshmen, eight of Kutztown's 13 players are new to the team when looking at last year's roster. After Saturday's outstanding performance, Edwards currently leads the team in scoring (15.5) despite playing in just two games.

 

Senior Julius Gray (Lincoln University, PA/Oxford Area) is averaging 13.3 points per game and has a team-leading 26 assists. The Golden Bears have also been led by Eric Brennan (Chester, PA/West Catholic) who is averaging 12.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, along with leading-rebounder Tamir Johnson (Philadelphia, PA/Imhotep Charter), who is averaging 12.0 points and 8.8 rebounds.

 

Holy Family brings a talented backcourt to Keystone Arena Wednesday evening. Tim Smith and Alberto Munoz have combined to average over 34 points per game and should pose a significant threat to KU. Rashaad Sneed is also chipping in 10.3 points per game.

 

After Holy Family, Kutztown travels to Lincoln University to compete in a non-conference contest on Saturday, December 11th beginning at 2:00 p.m.  

--KU--