CJ Edwards III joined the Corban University men’s basketball coaching staff in the summer of 2020. In addition to his player development and coaching duties, he serves a pivotal role in the squad’s recruiting and off-the-court performance.
Prior to joining the Navy and Gold staff, Edwards served as the lead assistant for the University of Saint Katherine (USK) in 2018-19, helping the Firebirds reach a number of monumental achievements during his stint there. Most recently, Edwards coached at Damien High School (2019-20) in La Verne, Calif., one of Southern California’s most prolific high school men’s basketball programs.
Gifted in recruiting and player development, Edwards recruited and mentored the 2019 NCCAA West Region Player of the Year to Saint Katherine, and was an integral part in the flourishing of Malik Thomas, who was a top-100 player in the class of 2021 and has committed to the University of Southern California.
Before his coaching career in the Golden State, Edwards served as a student-assistant coach for the LeTourneau University men’s basketball program in Texas. Edwards helped recruit a number of All-Conference players that ultimately catapulted the program to win its first Conference Championship, as well as making the Division III National Tournament. Both of these accomplishments were the first in LeTourneau’s school history.
As a player at LeTourneau, Edwards served as a team captain and leader. He averaged 15.9 PPG, making him a top-six scorer in the conference and a Second-Team All Conference honoree. He was honored to receive the Impact Award, Most Inspirational Player, and Most Improved Player accolades, and he finished third in school history for single-season three-point field goals made.
Passionate about the development of players both on and off the court, Edwards was one of 150 nationwide players to be nominated for the 2016 NABC Good Works Team and first player in LeTourneau school history to be nominated for the award. The accolade honors student-athletes for their contributions both in competition and in the community.
Edwards is also the owner and developer of a training organization and brand called Build Up Athletics. His company has been instrumental in providing over 70 athletes (ranging from youth to professional level) with skills training and competitive level play opportunities in Nashville, Tenn.
Edwards is from Pasadena, Calif., and garnered his degree from LeTourneau University in Communications Integrated Media Management.
