Just the beginning for Rising Star Alex Edwards

From representing Australia to earning his first NBL1 contract at just 16 years old, Edwards has already achieved plenty in the game. But the path to this point hasn’t always been straightforward.

“My journey through the pathways has been quite up and down. I haven't always been the best player.”

“but there were lots of people around helping me push through, and slowly built my way up.”

“I started making champs as a bottom ager, and then got invited to NBL1 training. Got lucky enough to get a contract this year.”

A product of the Willetton pathway, Edwards credits the club for helping shape both his basketball career and his character.

“Willetton has helped shape me as a person a lot. From the culture around there, it's real, like keep pushing even when times are hard."

“You’re really taught from a young age to stick together and get the job done.”

His development was rewarded with his first NBL1 contract for the 2026 season, an experience that has already accelerated his growth through exposure to experienced teammates.

“I think competing against a lot of the older guys who have had obviously lots of pre-season and seasons behind them, even though they're not as quick or as strong as they were the brain is just so amazing.”

“It's really influential for my game, to see how those guys function.”

Edwards' progress saw him invited to join the Wildcats Academy in 2025, where he trains alongside many of the state's top junior prospects.

He said the opportunity to regularly compete against the best players in his age group has played an important role in his development.

“The Wildcats Academy has been a great opportunity for me. All the best juniors in Perth come down to session two days a week.”

“It's great to get some reps up especially with coaches like Keegan, and just get around the Wildcats kind of environment.”

One of the highlights of Edwards' young career came last August when he represented Australia at the FIBA U16 Asia Cup in Ulaanbaatar, helping the team claim a gold medal.

His strong performances earned him an invitation to Australia's U17 FIBA World Cup camp, where he narrowly missed selection in the final 12.

“The experience is a huge honor, like any time you get to try and represent the Green and Gold, it's amazing.”

“Lots of hard sessions, training hard, everybody really wants it.”

“It's a great opportunity, wasn't lucky enough to make it but it's a great experience to go down there.”

With experience at the state, national and international level already under his belt, the talented teenager is continuing to build towards what promises to be an exciting future.

Catch Alex Edwards and the Willetton Tigers take on the Lakeside Lightning at Willetton Basketball Stadium this Friday 12 June.

Willetton Tigers v Mandurah Magic

Women: Friday 12 June, 6.20pm AWST

Men: Friday 29 May, 8.10pm AWST

Venue: Willetton Basketball Stadium