A New Face in Spartanburg
USC Upstate has officially added Derek Edmond to its 2026‑27 signing class, a move that underscores the program’s intent to bolster its frontcourt with a proven scorer.
Head Coach Marty Richter praised the forward’s blend of offensive firepower and defensive versatility, noting that Edmond’s arrival aligns with the team’s vision of a more dynamic, two‑way style of play.
Edmond’s statistical progression is nothing short of remarkable; after a freshman year that yielded 8.7 points per game, he surged to 24.5 points per game as a sophomore at Southwestern College, punctuated by two 40‑point performances and five outings of 30 points or more.
His shooting efficiency was equally compelling, as he connected on 43 percent of his field‑goal attempts, 33 percent from beyond the arc and 82 percent of his free throws, while also pulling down 6.8 rebounds and dishing out 2.5 assists per game.
Before college, Edmond dominated the high school scene at Victory Christian Academy in California, where he was the top junior‑college scorer in the state and earned First Team All‑League honors.
Richter emphasized that the coaching staff is eager to see how Edmond will translate his scoring prowess to the collegiate level, and how he will grow both on and off the court during his summer arrival on campus.