While most of the buzz has revolved around Duke’s Cooper Flagg, this NBA draft class features plenty of playmakers.
Among the young players to watch: Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe. The 19-year-old guard spent just one season in Waco, but has the potential to develop into a star at the next level.
Here are five things to know about Edgecombe ahead of the draft:
1. The basics
Sports Roundup
Name: Valdez “VJ” Edgecombe Jr.
College: Baylor
Height: 6-5 Weight: 180 pounds
Position: Guard
Hometown: Bimini, Bahamas
High school: Long Island Lutheran (Long Island, New York)
Birthday: July 30, 2005 (19 years old)
2. One-and-done at Baylor
Just a year ago, Edgecombe was lauded as one of Scott Drew’s top recruits at Baylor. He wasted no time making an impact, making his way into the starting lineup when the Bears opened the 2024-25 season against Gonzaga.
Edgecombe finished his lone season at Baylor as the team’s second-leading scorer with 15 points per game. He also averaged 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals. He helped Baylor reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where it fell to No. 1-seeded Duke.
3. Has already represented his country on a big stage
Before he suited up at Baylor, Edgecombe tested his skills on an international stage. The young guard represented his country, the Bahamas, as it looked to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The Bahamas seemed poised to reach the Olympics after securing three consecutive victories in the qualifying tournament. The dream ended in a final matchup with Spain, where the Bahamas fell 86-78.
Edgecombe, then an 18-year-old guard, posted some impressive numbers in the summer. He was third on the team in scoring with 16.5 points, adding 5.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists to his tally. He teamed up with NBA players like DeAndre Ayton, Buddy Hield and Eric Gordon on the Bahamian national team.
4. He held offers from various Division I powerhouses
Edgecombe was one of the top high school basketball players in the class of 2024. According to 247Sports, he was a five-star recruit and ranked as the fourth-best player in his class.
The only names above Edgecombe on 247Sports’ rankings? Flagg, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. Each of those players will likely hear their names called early in the 2025 draft.
Edgecombe had a long list of Division I offers. Powerhouses that reached out to him include Duke, Kentucky, Florida, Alabama and St. John’s.
5. What are draft experts saying about Edgecombe’s landing spot?
According to various NBA draft experts, Edgecombe won’t have to wait too long to hear his name called.
As of Monday night, Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor predicted Edgecombe would be selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the third overall pick. ESPN’s latest mock draft also had Edgecombe going third to Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein had Edgecombe going fourth to the Charlotte Hornets.
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