From Bahamas to Brotherly Love: Introducing V. J. Edgecombe
VJ Edgecombe walks across the stage after being selected third by the Philadelphia 76ers In the first round of the NBA basketball draft, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
After lots of stipulations around what was the best thing to do with the 3rd overall pick in the draft, the 76ers opted to roll with the high-motor guard V. J. Edgecombe from Baylor. Edgecombe was a unanimous top 5 prospect in the draft who has one of the highest up-sides in this draft class.
We know a lot about what kind of basketball player Edgecombe is, but who is he really?
Edgecombe making it to this moment alone is a powerful statement about his talent and work ethic. Born in the small town of Bamini in the Bahamas, V. J. quickly developed a love for basketball. His early days were filled with backyard basketball games simply for fun. Those around him quickly saw the potential that Edgecombe had to make it big in the United States.
The amount of talent he had forced Edgecombe into making a very difficult decision at a young age. At just 14, he left his hometown in the Bahamas to pursue his love for basketball at the Florida Victory International Institute. It was a difficult move for Edgecombe, who was forced to adapt to an entirely new way of life at such a young age.
He continued to work hard and, after 2 years in Florida, would transfer to the Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School in New York. It was there that Edgecombe would make himself a household name on the national scale. As a junior in his first year on Long Island, he led his high school to a state championship. In his championship-winning season, Edgecombe averaged 15.5 points, 5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.2 steals. His performance resulted in being named New York’s Gatorade player of the year.
His senior year is where Edgecombe surprised many by taking his game to an even higher level. His stats would improve across the board, averaging 17.3 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. He headlined his school’s 21-5 record on the season and would earn McDonald’s All-American honors for his efforts.
After visiting Florida, St Johns, Kentucky, Duke, and Baylor, Edgecombe committed to the Baylor Bears as a 5-star recruit.
His freshman season at Baylor was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Edgecombe continued to wow both coaches and opponents with his work ethic on the court. He was both an elite defender and shooter, along with being one of the better transition guards in the country. His 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game willed the Bears into the 9th seed in the March Madness tournament.
This success did not come with ease, however. In a stunning upset over the Kansas Jayhawks, Edgecombe suffered an ankle injury early in the second half of play. After being given an indefinite timetable to return, he missed just 2 games, returning to play just a week later. He dropped 17 points on his bad ankle just a week after suffering his injury.
As a prospect, Edgecombe’s fit with the 76ers is extremely exciting. He adds a defensive ability that has the potential to be better than any guard the 76ers have on the roster. His high motor and great shooting will make him a great fit next to the scoring prowess of Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and Quentin Grimes. The 76ers’ backcourt is tantalizing on paper. Daryl Morey says he thinks it can be “one of the best backcourts in the league.”
I think Edgecombe is going to quickly become a fan favorite amongst 76ers fans. His story is nothing short of the American dream. V .J. worked his way up from a small town in the Bahamas that nobody had heard of to being the 3rd overall pick in the NBA.
He exemplifies his life’s story in how he plays on the court. A hard worker with freak athleticism who has the ability to change any team he plays on.
His character off the court is something general managers and coaches dream of. Edgecombe used his NIL money that he collected at Baylor to pay for kids’ tuition to attend Gateway Christian in the Bahamas. The tuition costs between $1,800-$2,200 for preschool through 12th-grade-aged kids. Edgecombe cited wanting to give back to the Island, saying it was “the reason I am here today.” The principal of Gateway Christian described Edgecombe as an “exceptional kid.”
All in all, Edgecombe is a slam dunk prospect both on and off the court, and the city of Philadelphia is going to love him.
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Ethan Whitney
Ethan is a writer for Philly Sports Reports and a Color Commentator for Rally Sports Network. He has been a massive fan of all Philly Sports for as long as he can remember and wants to share that passion with the world. He is looking for a long career in the sports media sphere.
