He was following older brother Jack to training and trying to emulate the skill on display, a trait quite common for younger siblings in sporting families.

But this initial move paid off for Edwards when the 12-year-old was selected in the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association basketball squad.

“I started playing basketball when I was six,” Edwards said.

“My brother was really good at basketball and I used to go to training sessions, trying to do the tricks he could do.”

Asked if he had caught up to the level of 16-year-old Jack, the reply from Edwards was simple and swift – “yeah”.

Edwards will be forced to step up once more when he travels to Victoria in August (11-17) and wears the sky blue uniform of his state at the School Sport Australia Basketball Championships.

It is an experience the point guard from the Maitland Mustangs junior representative ranks looked forward to, he said.

The year 6 student from St John the Baptist Primary School in Maitland was chosen in the state squad following his performances for his Polding team at Coffs Harbour earlier this month.

Edwards represented Polding for rugby league last year and plays in the halves for West Maitland under-13s.