๐ฝ๐๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐: ๐๐ค๐ช๐ฉ๐ ๐พ๐๐ง๐ค๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ง ๐ ๐ค๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ง๐๐จ ๐๐๐๐พ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ง๐ก๐, ๐พ๐ค๐ข๐ข๐๐ฉ๐จ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐๐พ ๐๐ค๐ข๐๐ฃโ๐จ ๐ฝ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ก๐ก โ 3 ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ค๐ฃ๐จ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ช๐ฃ๐ฃ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ญ๐๐ฉ!
In a jaw-dropping move that has turned heads across the womenโs college basketball world, Joyce Edwards, one of the brightest rising stars in the game and a highly regarded South Carolina native, has officially flipped her commitment from South Carolina to the University of North Carolina (UNC). The decision comes as a stunning development, particularly given Edwardsโ deep ties to her home state and South Carolinaโs powerhouse program under head coach Dawn Staley.
Edwards, a five-star recruit, was widely expected to wear garnet and black and be the next great Gamecock forward. But instead, she will now head to Chapel Hill, where sheโll suit up for a resurgent UNC program under head coach Courtney Banghart.
What Led to the Shocking Flip?
While Edwards hasnโt spoken in full detail about the sudden change, insiders close to the recruitment reveal three key โ and previously unknown โ factors that contributed to this blockbuster decision:
1. A Desire to Lead Her Own Legacy
Despite the strength and success of South Carolinaโs program, sources say Edwards was drawn to the idea of carving out her own identity at UNC. With the Gamecocks already stacked with elite frontcourt talent, Edwards may have felt her star would shine brighter at a program where she could be the immediate focal point โ both on and off the court.
โJoyce wanted to be somewhere she could not just win, but lead,โ a close family friend shared. โUNC offered her that platform โ to be the centerpiece, to build something special.โ
2. Academic and Off-Court Development
Another major factor in her decision reportedly came down to academics and long-term personal development. Edwards has been vocal about her interest in education and leadership programs beyond basketball. Sources indicate that UNCโs top-ranked Public Policy and Sports Administration programs, combined with its leadership development initiatives, played a significant role in winning her over.
โSheโs thinking about life after basketball, which is rare at her age,โ one high school coach said. โUNC gave her a vision of who she could become โ not just as an athlete, but as a woman.โ
3. Quiet but Strong Connection with UNCโs Coaching Staff
Behind the scenes, Edwards had reportedly built a deep and personal relationship with UNC head coach Courtney Banghart, who made recruiting the elite forward a top priority from day one. While South Carolina had the home-court advantage, UNCโs persistent, personalized approach struck a lasting chord.
โIt wasnโt about flash. It was about fit,โ a recruiting insider noted. โBanghart treated Joyce like family, and that loyalty meant a lot.โ
Whatโs Next?
With Joyce Edwards heading to North Carolina, the Tar Heels now land one of the most impactful recruits in the nation โ a two-way powerhouse with size, skill, and unmatched drive. Meanwhile, South Carolina must regroup and adjust its recruiting plans, though with Dawn Staley at the helm, no one is doubting the Gamecocks’ ability to remain a national contender.
Still, this move will be talked about for months to come. Joyce Edwardsโ commitment to UNC is more than a recruiting win โ itโs a program-shifting moment that signals a bold new chapter in her career and for Tar Heel womenโs basketball.
Buckle up โ the ACC just got a lot more interesting.
About the Author
