In a significant move confirming weeks of speculation, Virtus Segafredo Bologna has officially announced the signing of guard Carsen Edwards. The 27-year-old American joins the Italian club from Bayern Munich, where he distinguished himself as the leading scorer in the EuroLeague last season.
The acquisition represents a major coup for Virtus, adding a proven offensive force to their roster. Edwards` arrival was confirmed by the club following reports of an overnight agreement finalizing the transfer.
A Profile in Scoring Prowess
Standing at 185 cm (approximately 6`1″), Edwards has spent the last three seasons making his mark in European basketball`s premier competition. Prior to his two seasons at Bayern Munich, where he helped secure two national championships, he played for Fenerbahce.
His 2023-24 EuroLeague campaign was particularly impressive, culminating in an average of 20.4 points per game, earning him the coveted title of the league`s top scorer. He also contributed nearly 4 assists per contest, demonstrating more than just isolated scoring capability. His performance was recognized with a selection to the All-EuroLeague First Team.
Edwards is perhaps most remembered for an extraordinary individual performance in April, during a game against Maccabi Tel Aviv. In the third quarter alone, he erupted for 26 points, including 8 successful three-pointers. This remarkable scoring outburst set a new EuroLeague record for points scored in a single quarter, a testament to his explosive offensive potential.
From NCAA Stardom to European Success
Edwards` reputation for spectacular scoring stretches back to his collegiate career at Purdue University. He gained national prominence during the 2019 NCAA Tournament, where he delivered back-to-back 42-point performances against formidable opponents Villanova and Virginia. His barrage of three-pointers during that run, hitting 10 in one game and setting a tournament record for threes made in just four games, solidified his status as a dynamic threat from beyond the arc.
Drafted 33rd overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers before being traded to the Boston Celtics, Edwards eventually transitioned to Europe in 2022, finding considerable success and establishing himself as one of the continent`s elite guards.
For Virtus Bologna, securing Edwards represents not only a significant upgrade in scoring but also the successful conclusion of a pursuit that reportedly came close to fruition in the previous year. His combination of scoring versatility, energy, and defensive capability is expected to make him a cornerstone of Virtus`s efforts to compete at the highest level in the upcoming season.