![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-05-17T032231Z_1102524221_MT1USATODAY23296269_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-DENVER-NUGGETS-AT-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-1.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
May 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) laughs after the game against the Denver Nuggets during game six of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-05-17T032231Z_1102524221_MT1USATODAY23296269_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-DENVER-NUGGETS-AT-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-1.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
May 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) laughs after the game against the Denver Nuggets during game six of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Playing in his fourth season, Anthony Edwards made a compelling statement. The 22-year-old ferocious superstar of the Timberwolves compelled the NBA to acknowledge his greatness. Earning comparisons to Michael Jordan, he carries a brimming sense of confidence and boldness when on the court. Known as the Ant-Man, he plays much larger than the superhero he is referenced to.
However, they do carry some similarities. Just like the Marvel characters, Edwards is fearless. No matter how tense or hopeless a stage the game might be at, Edwards’ perseverance never goes empty. It’s this hard-nosed mentality of his that has earned him the admiration of NBA fans.
But his nickname – ‘Ant-Man‘ didn’t originate from when he made it to the NBA. That has been his patented call since he was playing for the University of Oregon. Or maybe even before that? Well, let’s take a lot at the tale of how Anthony Edwards earned his superhero nickname.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Anthony Edwards was given the nickname by his father
For the majority of his life, Edwards’ father Roger Caruth wasn’t present in his life. Yet in the short spell he was, he left his son with a name that would be attached to him for life. It was as a child that Caruth termed Anthony Edwards as the Ant-Man. It was part of a family tradition. Each of his siblings had nicknames too. His other siblings were called Bubba(Anthony), Mee-see(Antoinette), and Toine(Antoine).
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ant-Man would then spread on as he continued to play basketball in high school. When the 22-year-old joined the University of Oregon, no one knew him by his real name. It was all about Ant-Man. The more feral and vicious he got, the stronger the intensity of his nickname grew. By the time Edwards reached the NBA, everyone wanted to see his explosiveness.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-04-29T022610Z_1694373298_MT1USATODAY23140814_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-MINNESOTA-TIMBERWOLVES-AT-PHOENIX-SUNS.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The nickname has now transpired much further than just a name shouted in arenas. Since signing a signature sneaker deal with Adidas, it has become the core of their marketing campaign. Even Edwards has started to call himself Ant now, It’s being widely accepted in the NBA circles, and why not?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Anthony Edwards played a pivotal part in transforming the Minnesota Timberwolves into contender territory this season. The 2-time All-Star had showcased a wild urge for scoring the ball as well as playing intensifying defense. Edwards has left the modern fans salivating due to his playful and confident demeanor.
Ant-Man has been a title long attached to Anthony Edwards. However, the reason behind it remains his exemplary work ethic and impeccable spirit.