The entire basketball fraternity is keeping their eyes on the ongoing 2025 NBA draft, and one of the latest players to be drafted is VJ Edgecombe. After intense speculation, the Philadelphia 76ers chose to draft the Baylor Bears standout against Ace Bailey.
LSU basketball star and hip-hop sensation Flau’jae Johnson couldn’t hide her excitement after VJ Edgecombe was drafted. Minutes later, the pick was made, she took to Instagram and reposted a graphic from SLAM featuring Edgecombe in both his Baylor and high school LUHI uniforms with the headline: “VJ Edgecombe Was Drafted 3rd By Philly.”
She captioned the post:
“I called it!!! From my favorite island in the world. So proud of you kid @vj.edgecombe.”
VJ Edgecombe Conveys Strong Emotion After Being Picked At No. 3 By 76ers
It was a toss-up between choosing between VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey for the 76ers. While Edgecombe had a great workout with the team before the draft, Bailey reportedly declined. As a result, Edgecombe was more likened to the 76ers than Bailey, who went at No. 5 to the Utah Jazz.
ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony reported that while the 76ers front office had their nervousness but they loved his workout.
As soon as Edgecombe’s name was called, emotions ran high in the family. His mother couldn’t contain his tears, and she was joined by Edgecombe’s brother on the stage. It was an overwhelming moment for the Edgecombe family as VJ expressed gratitude in his post-draft words.
“I’mma tell you right now,” Edgecombe said. “[I’m] super excited, we came from nothing. We’re truly blessed just to be in this position.”
VJ Edgecombe – “We came from nothing” pic.twitter.com/6tY0dHw9Ni
— Edilson J. Silva 🇨🇦🏀🇦🇴 (@edilsonbuzz) June 26, 2025
NBA journalist David Aldridge shared the thoughts of 76ers’ President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey, after drafting VJ Edgecombe.
“After the 76ers’ final game of the season, Daryl Morey blamed himself for not building a good enough bench. He said his goal was to make the team younger and more athletic. Gets his shot now at number three, if he keeps the pick,” Aldridge wrote.
After the 76ers’ final game of the season, Daryl Morey blamed himself for not building a good enough bench. He said his goal was to make the team younger and more athletic. Gets his shot now at number three, if he keeps the pick.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 26, 2025
Edgecombe’s addition increases depth for the 76ers in the point guard and shooting guard positions. The Bears’ star will join Tyrese Maxey, Paul George and Joel Embiid. While he’s not expected to be a starter from Day 1, he will get good minutes backing up Maxey as the 76ers will monitor his development in his rookie season.
The Big 12 Freshman of the Year averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals in his lone season with the Bears.
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