Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Edmond Sumner knew from an early age that he wanted to play basketball at the highest level. From watching his dad coach the game to embarking on a journey of his own in the sport at just 5 years old, there was something unique about basketball that intrigued Edmond. It was competitive. It was fun. It was exhilarating. It was a world he could spend hours and hours in, and one where his love for it would only grow fonder with time. Even with this strong passion for the game, Edmond understood there were important keys to experience success in it: a strong work ethic, a clear focus, and an undeniable commitment to getting better. If he had these, he knew the sky was the limit. Throughout his time in high school, Edmond continued to work towards his goal of playing Division I basketball while fostering his legacy in the game—reaching the 1,000-Point Club, winning a state title, two regional championships, and three district championships at Detroit Country Day. Sure enough, upon graduation, Edmond achieved one of his childhood goals and inched closer to his dreams of playing in the NBA. In 2014, he began his collegiate career at Xavier University—where he played three years before declaring for the NBA Draft.
It wasn't all smooth sailing though. In his third year at Xavier, Edmond suffered a season-ending knee injury that placed everything up in the air. His future in the game. The chance to turn his childhood dreams of playing basketball at the professional level to reality. Everything. Despite this adversity, he remained focused. He kept his eyes on the prize. Sure enough, when the opportunity came, he was ready. In 2017, Edmond officially embarked on his professional career in the NBA—after being selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the 52nd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft and acquired by the Pacers in a draft night trade. He hasn't looked back since. From his time with the Indiana Pacers to his most-recent season with the Brooklyn Nets, Edmond has continued to add new elements to his game and make an impact throughout his journey in the league. Off the court, he has also worked to pay it forward through a series of ventures focused on giving back to the youth. Alongside his best friend, Andrew Mitchell, Edmond started an AAU program that aims to guide and mentor the next generation of athletes on their basketball journeys. In addition to this, he has hosted several events during the holidays to give back to families; and hopes to continue growing these community initiatives in the years to come. As Edmond reflects on his career thus far—the highs and lows, the ebbs and flows—one thing remains at the forefront of his mind: with patience and perseverance, there is nothing he cannot achieve.
You mentioned that one of your dreams growing up was playing Division I Basketball. You achieved that when you went to Xavier University. Take us through that journey early on, how was that transition from high school to college like for you?
I would say it was a big transition. I feel like it was eye-opening. I remember just getting there on campus, and seeing how much harder the work was. Man, it was crazy. I remember after the first workout pretty much going in my room and sleeping the rest of the day because of how hard it was. I remember questioning myself like, “Can I do this at this level?” I always felt like I worked hard, but it was like a whole other level at Division I. That year, just playing with those guys, seeing how stronger they were at that level—guys were just as quick to a certain degree—, I had to adapt to the physicality of that. That first month or two was kind of a shock. It told me: “Yeah, you got a lot to work on before you're gonna get to where you need to get to.” I ended up redshirting that (first) year too, but it was a big jump. I feel like I was patient with it and when my number was called, I was ready.
Along with playing basketball at the Division I level, you were also a student full-time. I wanted to talk more about life as a student-athlete at the collegiate level and finding that balance between academics and sports. Could you share more insight with us on how you navigated through that?
Yeah! It’s a tough battle, especially when you’re trying to compete at a high level. You gotta not only do the team (activities), but sometimes you feel like you need more extra work. Those nights you might also have to study, get prepared for a test, or something like that. For me, I was a computer science major; so there were times when I was trying to juggle both. I cared enough about my grades and stuff like that, and also I wanted to be a high (performing) athlete. Trying to prioritize both was a challenge, but if you really want it, you'll be able to do both. It’s all about whatever your priorities are. I felt like I prioritized basketball, and I knew that without this schoolwork getting done, I couldn’t even play basketball. So it was easy for me. If I put basketball first, everything that's supposed to keep me on the court I was willing to do.
You spent three years at Xavier before declaring for the NBA Draft. During your time there, how do you think your game elevated to prepare you for the next level?
My first year, I redshirted. I was basically just working on my body—putting on like 20 more pounds of muscle. I saw my athleticism just kind of shoot through the roof. I was quicker, I was faster, I was jumping higher; and that was me growing into my body. That part helped me more than anything to turn into an elite athlete—still being raw and honing into things. That right there put me a step above a lot of the other guys. Me being in college, working on my body, and having a year to just focus on that kind of gave me that edge.
We have to talk about Draft Night! What was that moment like of hearing your name being called and achieving your dreams of playing basketball at the professional level?