Virtus Bologna has officially announced the signing of guard Carsen Edwards, a move widely regarded as a significant coup for the Italian club. Edwards, a 27-year-old American playmaker, arrives fresh off a season where he led the Turkish Airlines Euroleague in scoring for Bayern Munich.
This acquisition marks a successful conclusion to Virtus`s pursuit of the player, having reportedly come close to signing him a year ago before the deal ultimately fell through. This time, however, the Bologna-based team secured the commitment, confirming the agreement via an official statement.
Edwards brings a remarkable resume to Italy. Over the past three seasons in Euroleague, he has consistently been one of the league`s most impactful offensive players, first with Fenerbahce and then for two seasons with Bayern Munich. While in Germany, he helped Bayern secure back-to-back national championship titles.
His performance in the most recent Euroleague campaign was particularly outstanding. Edwards averaged 20.4 points per game, earning him the prestigious Alphonso Ford Trophy as the competition`s top scorer. He also contributed significantly in other areas, dishing out nearly 4 assists per contest. These numbers solidified his place among Europe`s elite guards, resulting in his selection to the All-Euroleague First Team.
Beyond the consistent scoring output, Edwards possesses an explosive offensive capability capable of rewriting the record books in a single quarter. In a game against Maccabi Tel Aviv last season, he erupted for 26 points, including 8 three-pointers, in just 10 minutes during the third quarter – an all-time Euroleague record for points and three-pointers in a single period.
Standing 185cm (approximately 6`1″), Edwards is known for a high-energy style that combines scoring punch with defensive tenacity. Before making his mark in Europe, he was a standout at the collegiate level for Purdue University. His performances in the 2019 NCAA Tournament became the stuff of legend, including two separate 42-point outbursts and setting a tournament record for most three-pointers made in just four games. He was later selected 33rd overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers before being traded to the Boston Celtics, where he spent time before his transition to European basketball in 2022.
For Virtus Bologna, adding a player of Edwards` caliber represents a significant upgrade to their backcourt. His proven scoring ability against Euroleague defenses, coupled with his playmaking and energetic defense, makes him a key piece in their efforts to strengthen the roster and compete at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions. His arrival signals Virtus`s clear intent and provides their fanbase with a genuinely exciting, record-breaking talent to look forward to.
Murray Blackwood