The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017, and they’ve taken a significant step by selecting Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Standing at 6-foot-5, Edgecombe is hailed for his impressive shooting ability and defensive skills, attributes that helped him earn the title of Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
As the Sixers prepare for training camp, they showcased their new rookie, giving fans a glimpse of his potential on the NBA’s official X account. In a recent interview, Edgecombe shared that his favorite player growing up is Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards. He admires Edwards for his explosiveness and two-way playing style, stating, “I feel like we’re both super explosive and he’s a two-way player too. So that’s what I like about his game.”
VJ Edgecombe’s journey began in the Bahamas before moving to the United States in ninth grade, where he played in Florida for two years. He later transferred to Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School in New York, where his talent shone through. He averaged 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.7 steals per game during his senior year, which led to him receiving McDonald’s All-America honors in 2024.
During his single season at Baylor, Edgecombe continued to impress, averaging 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, while shooting 43.6%. His performance earned him a place on the Second-Team All-Big 12 list.
Edgecombe’s comparison to Edwards showcases his potential for explosive scoring and defensive prowess, traits that could greatly enhance the 76ers’ lineup alongside team leaders Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. With promising talent like Edgecombe on board, Philadelphia’s future appears to be on an upward trajectory.