Robert Edwards - Director of Basketball Operations and Recruiting - Men's Basketball Coaches

Robert Edwards

Title:
Director of Basketball Operations and Recruiting
Email:
rjedwards@umkc.edu

Robert Edwards was officially announced as the Roos' Director of Basketball Operations on June 8, 2022 and earned the title of Director of Recruiting prior to the 2023-24 season. He enters his third year with Kansas City in 2024-25. Edwards, a Kansas City native, was previously the Video Coordinator at the University of New Mexico.

The 2023-24 season was one of the program's best in recent history as a six-game win streak to end the regular season helped Kansas City earn a second place finish in the Summit League standings, tied for the best finish in program history. In his first season as the Director of Recruiting, Edwards helped the Roos bring in eight newcomers, including Newcomer of the Year and First Team All-Summit performer Jamar Brown, Newcomer of the Year Khristion Courseault and Freshman of the Year Jayson Petty. In addition, Edwards' assistance was key as Head Coach Marvin Menzies brought home Coach of the Year honors, becoming the second coach in program history to do so.

In 2022-23, Kansas City was consistently ranked as one of the best defensive teams in the Summit, leading the league in rebounds per game and scoring defense. At the end of the season, Shemarri Allen and RayQuawndis Mitchell were both named Second Team All-Summit League. Allen was also named to the All-Defensive Team while Mitchell earned a spot on the All-Newcomer squad.

"I am excited to join the men's basketball staff here at Kansas City and work for Coach Menzies," Edwards said. 'Kansas City is home for me, so the opportunity to help build this program is one I could not pass up. Coach Menzies has a track record of success, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and the rest of the staff."

As Director of Operations, Edwards takes on many roles, including the organization of all travel arrangements, including air, bus, hotel and dining arrangements. He coordinates practice times and organize itineraries for official and unofficial visits, and assists in updating the team's recruiting database.

"I've had the opportunity to watch Robert operate at the Division One level for the last few years," Menzies said. "I've been impressed with his work ethic, professionalism and integrity. Being a Kansas City native, Robert has also helped in our seamless transition here."

From 2020-22, Edwards was at New Mexico, where he was responsible for handling video for the Lobos, including game film exchange, recording and clipping of practices and scout video. From Edwards's first-to-second season, New Mexico posted a seven-win improvement.

Prior to his time at New Mexico, Edwards spent a year at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, where he served as the Video Coordinator for a year. There, he was responsible for preparing analytics and scouting reports of opposing teams, while also overseeing all game film recording and exchange.

While pursuing his master's degree, Edwards spent two seasons at the University of Nevada under Head Coach Eric Musselman, serving as a graduate assistant coach. The Wolf Pack saw success during his time on campus, winning two Mountain West regular season championships, qualifying to the NCAA Tournament both years and making a Sweet Sixteen appearance in his first season. Overall, the Wolf Pack went 58-13 in his two years, tying the single season program record for victories both seasons (29).

In 2016, Edwards received his bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in coaching at the University of Nebraska. With there, he spent four seasons as a manager for the Huskers' men's basketball team. In his final year, he was the head student manager.

Raised in Overland Park, Kan., Edwards graduated from Blue Valley West HS in 2012.