Loyalty sways Middie to be a Nittany Lion

Senior forward Bill Edwards Jr. holds back tears in announcing he’ll play for Penn State.

Middletown basketball standout Bill Edwards Jr. wipes a tear from his eye as he becomes emotional during a ceremony at MHS where he announced he will play at Penn State University, Wednesday May 6, 2009.

Staff photo by Pat Auckerman Middletown basketball standout Bill Edwards Jr. wipes a tear from his eye as he becomes emotional during a ceremony at MHS where he announced he will play at Penn State University, Wednesday May 6, 2009.

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By Skip Weaver, Staff Writer Updated 10:22 AM Thursday, May 7, 2009

MIDDLETOWN — Bill Edwards Jr. reached to the middle one of three hats placed on the table in front of him Wednesday morning, May 6, and announced his college decision.

“I want to thank my teammates, family and friends for helping me get through this,” the 6-foot-7 Middletown High School senior forward said as he held back tears. “It’s been a hard decision for me. It’s been hard on my family answering the phone every day, but my choice is ... Penn State.”

The Nittany Lions were 26-11 last season and were crowned the NIT champions.

Loyalty was a big factor in Edwards’ decision. He was courted by many of the top schools in the country, but when he suffered injuries as a sophomore and a junior that caused him to miss a combined 16 games, Penn State stuck by his side as others lost interest. Ultimately, it came down to PSU, Miami and Central Florida.

“That loyalty meant a lot to me,” Edwards said, adding that Miami University also expressed the same loyalty. “No other schools compared.”

Growing up in Ohio, Edwards said he always dreamed of playing in the Big Ten Conference.

Now he’s getting that chance.

“It wasn’t an easy decision,” said Edwards, whose father, Bill, was a standout at Wright State. “I had mixed emotions when I woke up this morning. I was real close to the Miami coaches, but Penn State has great academics and it’s a beautiful campus. I bonded with the team on my visit, and they just showed a real appreciation for me. I feel I can make an impact.”

Edwards certainly made an impact in his four years at Middletown.

He became the ninth player in the school’s history to score 1,000 points in his career, joining such legendary names Jerry Lucas and Archie Aldridge. He finished his career with 1,129 points, which ranks him seventh on the all-time list.

“Bill has been the soul of our team for four years, and it’s been a real pleasure to coach him,” MHS coach Bob Ronai said. “As good a player as he is, he’s a better person and I’m really proud of him.”

Edwards received numerous postseason honors his senior year including being named to the Division I All-Ohio first team and co-player of the year in the Greater Miami Conference.

He is the third member of the Middies basketball team to sign a college letter of intent. Allen Roberts signed with Miami University last fall, and Tony Peters signed to attend Grand Valley State (Mich.) on Tuesday.

Bill  Edwards Jr.

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