ATHENS — Georgia basketball freshman Anthony “Antman” Edwards is a breath of fresh air, a humble grounded 18-year-old headed for stardom that he cannot possibly comprehend at this stage of his life.

“If we win I don’t care if I had a bad game,” Edwards said. “If we have a bad game and we lose, then I feel some type of way.

“I just like to come out and play the game.”

Edwards, projected by some to be the first pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, makes his regular season debut at 7 p.m. on Tuesday against Western Carolina a Stegeman Coliseum.

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“I am nervous,” Edwards admits. “But once I touch the ball, I feel like I’ll be O.K.”

The Bulldogs were picked by media to finish ninth in the SEC, but Edwards said he feels like Georgia could shock some people and be the best team in the SEC.

Coach Tom Crean, who developed NBA lottery picks Dwyane Wade and Victor Oladipo at Marquette and Indiana, says Edwards needs to work on all aspects of his game.

Edwards likes it that way, he wants to be pushed.

“I don’t need to be around people who are telling me constantly how good I am,” Edwards said. “(Crean) has helped me tremendously with my catch-and-shoot ability, and me not wasting dribbles on the side of my hip.”

And, Edwards said, “A lot of people don’t think I play defense … I have show people I can guard the ball and play off-ball defense.”

Edwards met with the media on Monday, beat corps and electronic sessions, and shared more insight into his mindset:

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