Resolution 260858

Title Honoring Justin Edwards on the occasion of the renaming of Smedley Elementary’s school gym, commemorating his community involvement and career in the National Basketball Association. Body WHEREAS, Justin Edwards was Philadelphia-born and raised, a graduate of Smedley Elementary School and Imhotep Institute Charter High School. Edwards was considered a five-star recruit and one of the top players of 2023; and WHEREAS, During his time at Imhotep, he led his team to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Class 5A State Championship. He also played in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, and was selected to play for Team USA in Nike Hoops Summit; and WHEREAS, In 2023, Edwards was named Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball and a McDonald’s All-American. He went onto play college basketball at the University of Kentucky, after fielding offers from Penn State, University of South Carolina, University of Maryland, University of Virginia, Georgetown, and Villanova. After a year at Kentucky, he declared for the 2024 draft; and WHEREAS, In 2024, Edwards signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, his hometown team, for a two-year contract. Those two years included a range of accomplishments, including a career-high score of 25 points, 26 starts, and a total of 44 appearances. He has recently resigned with the Sixers for a three-year contract; and WHEREAS, On October 14th, 2026, Smedley Elementary’s school gym was named the Justin Edwards Gym, honoring its alumnus for a successful career in the NBA and playing in the league as a hometown hero; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors Justin Edwards on his community initiatives and his career accomplishments in the NBA. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution will be presented to Justin Edwards and his family as a sincere expression of the City Council of Philadelphia’s gratitude and admiration. End