Anthony Edwards is just 22 years old but his first experience with Team USA shows he is ready to dominate, lead and maybe even take over the basketball world.

The USA's 12 man roster is filled with potential stars, who have yet to completely prove themselves at the very top of the NBA. But unlike the rest it appears Anthony Edwards has seen this as his moment to step out from the crowd and take over the reigns as the 'man' for a team without one.

Edwards was not a starter for the first Team USA scrimmage earlier this summer, with the teams coaching staff split on him with the other players available. Head Coach Steve Kerr tried to explain the decision to Edwards by likening this moment to the 2008 redeem team, telling Edwards that "Dwayne Wade came off the bench when Kobe played." To which Edwards responded "we don't have a Kobe."

He was correct, nobody on this team has been there and done it all in the NBA as of yet but Ant took it upon himself to be that lead guy or the 'Kobe' of this team. By the second scrimmage he was a starter, and the team hasn't looked back since.

Edwards really announced himself on the international scene with a 34 point haul in a 99-91 victory over Germany in a practice game and he has continued to impress in the teams opening two wins of the FIBA World Cup. Averaging 13.5 points, 4.5 rebounds & 3.0 assists, helping the team to advance to the second round.

Ant was selected with the no.1 overall pick back in 2020, coming into the league being compared to Michael Jordan, largely due to his athleticism & dunking ability. Big pressure on the shoulders of a 19 year old kid but certainly not an inaccurate comparison. Edwards came into the league a highflyer, a walking highlight reel just like Jordan and while his stats didn't come close to those of MJ, his potential seemed nearly limitless, especially offensively.

His 40 point, 9 rebound, 3 block, 3 steal, 5 three pointer performance vs Portland in 2022 a glimpse of his all round game and a stat line unique to him.

Last season was a career year across the board for Edwards. With highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, field goal percentage, minutes and, almost importantly, games (79). In February he was named as an All-Star for the first time and led the Timberwolves back to the playoffs via the play-in tournament, an important achievement after a difficult year for the franchise.

Minnesota faced the eventual NBA Champion Denver Nuggets in the first round, and after struggling in game 1, Edwards proved to be the only player Denver did not have an answer for throughout their playoff run. His 41 point game 2 performance the standout of a series in which he averaged 31.6 pts, 5.0 reb, 5.2 ast, 1.8 steals & 2.0 blocks on 48% field goal percentage. Anthony Edwards announced himself despite his team going down in five games and he is now continuing his rise with Team USA.

The best players show up in the most difficult moments, the early years of Edwards career have proven that when the lights shine brightest, he excels. His experience with Team USA tells us that he is 'him' and nobody is going to tell him otherwise. Add that determination to be the best to a fun, outgoing personality. Which Ant has shown from day 1, and you have a man that teammates & fans will believe in, and that opponents will fear.

If they aren't already, this is the year that Ant-Man will make the entire basketball world take notice!

Photo Credit: NBAE via Getty Images