Baylor freshman sensation VJ Edgecombe has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, sending ripples through basketball circles nationwide. The explosive 6’5″ guard from the Bahamas captivated fans with his highlight-reel dunks and defensive prowess, earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors while averaging 15.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
Edgecombe’s decision surprises draft analysts who’ve consistently projected him as a top-five selection. His combination of elite athleticism and two-way potential has NBA executives salivating. Most mock drafts slot him between picks 3 and 5, where projected teams like Charlotte and Philadelphia could benefit from his high-ceiling talent.
Explosive Athleticism Drives NBA Appeal
His jaw-dropping athleticism separates Edgecombe from other prospects, which translates to both ends of the court. The 19-year-old routinely impresses crowds with thunderous transition dunks, tallying an impressive 32 dunks in 31 games while demonstrating exceptional defensive timing as a chase-down shot blocker.
Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, per release.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 20, 2025
His leaping ability and lateral quickness give him defensive versatility that NBA teams covet in today’s switch-heavy schemes. Although he weighs only 180 pounds, his fearlessness in attacking the basket and taking contact shows an aspect of physicality that belies his skinny frame, leading to many free-throw points.
Shot Creation Remains Key Development Area
While Edgecombe’s spot-up shooting shows promise, his ability to create his shot remains his biggest developmental hurdle. His smooth form and confidence yielded a 34.5% mark from three-point range at Baylor, though his high school numbers suggest greater potential after connecting on 42.8% of attempts in his final two prep seasons.
NBA scouts have noted his tendency to rely on raw athleticism rather than refined handles when driving to the basket. Edgecombe sometimes gets out of control when attempting to break down defenders, resulting in awkward shots or hurried passes. His 43.2% finishing rate on layups highlights this limitation.
The Bahamian guard has already proven his mettle on the international stage, representing his country at the 2024 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, averaging 16.5 points against professional competition. His clutch performances in college, including a career-high 30 points against Kansas State, demonstrate his fearlessness in big moments.
KEEP READING: Projected No. 1 Pick Cooper Flagg Declares for the NBA Draft: 5 Possible Landing Spots
Edgecombe enters the NBA draft with a compelling mix of NBA-ready attributes and developmental needs. His elite athleticism, defensive instincts, and promising shooting form give him immediate value as a rotation player.
While his shot creation limitations may restrict his early offensive impact, his existing strengths align perfectly with what teams seek in modern wings. He projects as a player who can immediately contribute in transition and defense while developing into a more complete offensive threat.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
