V.J. Edgecombe is one of the most highly touted prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft in June. The 6’4″ barefoot (6’5″ in shoes), 19-year-old Bahamian guard had an explosive rookie season with the Baylor Bears. He won Big 12 Rookie of the Year, Big 12 All-Freshman Team, and All-Big 12 Second Team honors this past season.
He averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. He shot 43.6% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range while shooting 78% from the free throw line.
Edgecombe is projected to be a top-five pick in the NBA Draft in June. His elite athleticism and high motor are his best traits. At the NBA Draft Combine, he measured 6’5.25″ in shoes with a 6’7.5″ wingspan and recorded a 38.5-inch maximum vertical jump.
Where Might Edgecombe Get Drafted?
In a recent NBA mock draft, College Sports Network has Edgecombe getting drafted third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. CSN Analyst Bjorn Bergstrom had this to say.
“Lucking into the third overall pick after nearly losing their pick entirely, as it was top 6 protected, the 76ers have options here. Though Edgecombe is 6’5″, and would have to play next to point guard Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, who are 6’2″ and 6’3″, respectively, he showed the ability to guard bigger players with his high level effort and athleticism.
“Possessing the high floor that Edgecombe has is important for Philadelphia as they gear up for a playoff run with several stars already on the roster.
“The former Baylor star averaged 15.0 points and 3.2 assists as a primary creator for most of the season, but also showed the ability to spot up on the wing and space the floor, a role he could fill early on as he adapts to the pro game.”
Can He Improve Even More?
NBA Draft Insider Matt Babcock joined the Pete Sousa Show and pointed out how Edgecombe could potentially get drafted higher than other top prospects like Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, depending on the pre-draft process.
Interestingly, Babcock mentioned how the NBA pre-draft process is the final ten percent of the evaluation process. NBA teams during that process utilize it more to know the player off the court such as background, medical records, and interviews.
Teams will see for themselves between tape and watching them play in-person as well as the drills who they are and what they can bring on the court. Now, their job is finding out who they are off the court.
Babcock mentioned an important responsibility of the agent is to really polish and get to know their client and just preparing them for every avenue they may face including interviews and team visits.
How About Edgecombe’s Potential?
Babcock alluded to earlier just how truly dynamic Edgecombe can be in the NBA and how he is as a prospect. Even though he will not be the number one overall pick, he still has the chance to be a great player.
Cooper Flagg is an anomaly and in his own tier as he has been the projected first overall pick for this year’s draft pretty much ever since he committed to Duke University. He is an elite player on both sides of the court and the Dallas Mavericks will have the lucky honor and privilege of selecting him first overall June 25th.
After watching Edgecombe this past season, he definitely gets the vibe of an explosive two-way player that can attack the basket vertically quickly and efficiently. His 4.1 STL% and 2.9 BLK% both grade out exceptionally well relative to long-term NBA players.
VJ Edgecombe’s defensive highlights. Absolutely incredible stuff here pic.twitter.com/Wj6gmakL5X
— 🎞 (@PeakRT_) May 16, 2025
As far as NBA player comparisons go, his game has elements of several players. His explosive athleticism and scoring ability are reminiscent of a young Zach LaVine, while his defensive intensity and motor echo Russell Westbrook’s early career. However, he needs to improve his pull-up shooting (26.1% on dribble jumpers) and shot creation to reach that level.
His defensive capabilities show significant potential. His 2.1 steals per game came from his quick hands, great footwork, and high motor creating steals whether from jumping into passing lanes or being able to pick pocket the opposition. He has a variety of ways to accrue steals, including timing his reaches perfectly and picking off looping passes with his speed.
He also already has experience playing with and against some of the league’s talent.
Last summer when he played for the Bahamas National team during Olympic Qualifiers, he averaged 16.5 PPG on 57.1/38.5/81.2 shooting splits while playing alongside NBA veterans such as Buddy Hield, Eric Gordon, and Deandre Ayton.
In his professional debut, he scored 20 points against Finland, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level before even playing his first college game.
