Jesse Edwards is already making his mark in the NBL, turning heads with his elite athleticism, high-flying offense, and shot-blocking prowess.
But what brought the Dutchman all the way to Australia’s shores?
Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and a British father, Edwards grew up in Amsterdam alongside his two siblings. Basketball wasn’t part of his early life — his father was a cricket fan, and most of Jesse’s youth was spent playing soccer and competing in athletics.
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“I started in track and field from the ages of five through thirteen. I loved it. I also played soccer, but around eleven, I started watching basketball with my brothers on YouTube,” Edwards told foxsports.com.au.
“I didn’t actually start playing until I was fourteen, when I joined a club. I was tall, but not crazy tall compared to other kids.”
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While attending Amsterdam’s Lyceum high school, Edwards got his first real taste of competitive basketball when he signed with Apollo Amsterdam, playing for BC Apollo in the Dutch second division.
“After I joined Apollo, I started out with the lower-level teams at first and then worked my way up to the top squads. By seventeen, I was playing on the national championship team. From there, a highlight clip of mine started making the rounds, and that got me some interest from U.S. academies like Brewster and IMG.”
“It wasn’t something I thought I’d go pro in yet - not until I got into IMG and started getting offers from high-major colleges.”
Kendric Davis of the Kings is challenged by Jesse Edwards of United during the round four NBL match between Sydney Kings and Melbourne United at Qudos Bank Arena, on October 08, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Kendric Davis of the Kings is challenged by Jesse Edwards of United during the round four NBL match between Sydney Kings and Melbourne United at Qudos Bank Arena, on October 08, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
While attending IMG Academy, a boarding school in Bradenton, Florida, Edwards received several college offers, including from Georgia Tech and Providence, before ultimately committing to Syracuse. Over four seasons with the Orange, he played 95 games, averaging 7.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, earning a spot on the ACC All-Defensive Team.
In his final collegiate season, after transferring to West Virginia, Edwards put together one of his best campaigns, averaging 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks over 23 games.
Edwards declared for the 2024 NBA Draft - a night that brought mixed emotions for the seven-footer. Though he went undrafted, minutes later he received a phone call from the Minnesota Timberwolves offering him a two-way contract.
“The draft night was really up and down - one of the most exciting and nerve-racking nights of my life - but it turned into a great celebration in the end,” he said.
Fast forward to March 2, and Edwards achieved what most players can only dream of: stepping onto an NBA court as a professional, subbing in for All-Star Anthony Edwards.
“It was really unexpected. You’re mostly moving between the G League and the NBA, so I didn’t expect that to happen. When I did get called up and checked into the game for the last three minutes, it was something special - a surreal kind of moment. It was a lot of fun,” Edwards recalled.
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During his time in the G League with the Iowa Wolves, Edwards played 18 games, averaging 11.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks — including six double-doubles.
He later joined the Timberwolves for the NBA Summer League, where Melbourne United and head coach Dean Vickerman got their first look at the high-flying big man - and quickly made inquiries about his availability.
“Yeah, I got in touch with them [United] after things wrapped up with the Timberwolves. There were a couple of options on the table - another two-way shot in the NBA or a move to Europe,” he said.
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At the time, Melbourne United were looking to replace departing big men Marcus Lee and Jack White, and Edwards quickly became a top priority once his availability became known.
“The main thing they said was they needed a quality big who could play solid minutes on a great team,” Edwards explained.
“My agents and I talked about it and felt it was a great opportunity to develop in a really competitive league. The lifestyle in Melbourne has been great too - it’s such a fun city and I’ve really enjoyed living here.”
Now four games into his NBL career, Edwards has already established himself as one of the league’s most dominant big men. Helping United to a 4–0 start, he currently ranks fourth in rebounds, tied for second in blocks and offensive rebounds, and is shooting an efficient 61% from the field.
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When asked how he’s adapting to the NBL’s different style of play, Edwards expressed his enthusiasm for the league.
“The league has been really competitive and a lot of fun to play in. The style is fast, but it’s also very tactical in the half court, which suits my game. It’s a great league to play in - and I think it’s just as fun to watch. I’m really happy with where we’re at as a team, and obviously, we’re aiming to make it five wins in a row,” he said.
Melbourne United have clearly found a hidden gem in Edwards as they prepare for their next matchup against the Cairns Taipans. One thing’s for sure - Jesse Edwards may end up being one of the most underrated signings of the offseason, and a player many will soon be asking: How did we not see this coming?