When Team New England matched up with Expressions this weekend, Edema was easily the most impactful player on the court. Even though he might not have had as much offensive success as some of his teammates, his presence as a rim protector completely altered the game. Nobody feels comfortable challenging him at the rim because of his size, length, and discipline, and he does an excellent job deciding when to go after blocks vs. when to stunt at the ball-handler. Offensively, Edema continues to look more comfortable—I was specifically impressed with a euro-step layup he had in transition that probably would’ve been a turnover a few months ago.

Edema was Cushing’s X-factor, because Cheshire didn’t have the size or strength to compete with him in the paint. Though he got the ball stolen from him and missed a couple easy layups in the beginning of the game, the 7-footer found his footing as the game went on and eventually got used to all the smaller guys swiping at the ball. He dominated the second half with crushing screens and rolls to the rim, and he was a total beast on the offensive glass all game. Edema needs to improve his hands a bit, but games like Cheshire are a great experience for him to have and should help him develop.

Edema recently returned to the court for Cushing after nursing an injury, and he finally looked more like himself this weekend. Against Putnam, the 7-footer was incredibly tough and physical against a ridiculously ferocious front-line. He protected the rim unbelievably well, and he even showed off some impressive post moves and short-roll decision making out of the pick and roll. He manned the paint better than I would’ve expected against Putnam, and he still has another year to develop his offensive skillset, balance, and shooting ability, each of which would make a massive difference in his effectiveness on the court. Very bright future.

Moesch is one of the best pick and roll passers in the region, but who is his partner? That’s where Edema comes in. The 7-footer is committed to Alabama and looks ready to play college ball right now as a junior. He has a built upper-body and great strength in the paint, and he has solid hands and good finishing ability. Defensively, Edema causes problems for the offense as a rim deterrent and shot blocker; his length and size allows him to get a contest on basically every paint attempt, and he has great instincts and timing on the weak side. Edema is still somewhat raw, but he gets better every time I watch him. I can’t imagine that’ll stop now.

Edema was a strong presence in the paint throughout the game. He protected the rim with timely shot blocking and physical defense. On offense, Edema finished with power inside and played through contact. His interior impact changed the game on both ends of the floor. He controlled the glass and carved out space with his strength and positioning. Edema’s toughness and effort set the tone in the interior.

Edema continues to put everything together offensively and grow on that end of the floor. He looks more comfortable running the court and did a great job making decisions at the elbow and top of the key last weekend—he had a really nice keep on a fake DHO where he dunked it, and that play showcased his improved IQ. He also has good hands and is an awesome pick and roll partner for Moesch. Defensively, Edema is one of the more dominant forces in the region and is going to stifle tons of shots this season at the rim. It’ll be interesting to see how he continues to grow this year.