In a major win for Klutch Athletics by New Balance, the brand created by NBA agent Rich Paul has secured an NIL deal with Kentucky basketball star and projected top-five pick in the 2024 draft, Justin Edwards. Edwards becomes the first NIL athlete and basketball player to sign with Paul's brand, joining NFL players Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans and Chase Young of the San Francisco 49ers. Edwards is currently playing for the Kentucky Wildcats in the NCAA and is highly regarded as one of the top prospects in the upcoming draft. He expressed excitement about joining Klutch Athletics by New Balance, noting that the brand's combination of performance and style makes it the perfect fit for his professional career.
Standing at 6'8", Edwards was a highly sought-after recruit in high school, earning a five-star rating and All-American recognition. He then joined the Kentucky Wildcats under the guidance of coach John Calipari, where he is currently averaging 14 points and six rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 52.4% from the field. Mock drafts from ESPN, The Athletic, and Bleacher Report all project Edwards as a top-five pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
Klutch Athletics by New Balance is a sportswear brand founded in 2023 by renowned sports agent Rich Paul in partnership with footwear and apparel brand New Balance. The brand's mission is to support and serve athletes at all levels, from youth to collegiate to professional sports. While Klutch Athletics had already made notable signings in the NFL realm, the addition of Justin Edwards marks the brand's foray into basketball and is likely just the beginning of more basketball players signing with the brand.
In summary, Justin Edwards' signing with Klutch Athletics by New Balance as the first college athlete and basketball player on the roster is a significant achievement for both Edwards and the brand. With his talent and potential, Edwards is poised to make a big impact both on the court and in the endorsement world. The partnership between Edwards and Klutch Athletics by New Balance brings together performance and style, providing him with the ideal support as he embarks on his professional basketball career.
