As franchises race to secure the next crop of elite players, the 2025 NBA Draft, set to take place on June 26–27, is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the year. As always, the spotlight is on the top 10 picks, where teams look forward to landing game-changing talent. Among the prospects creating a buzz is V.J. Edgecombe.
Early predictions said Edgecombe would go to the Charlotte Hornets at the No. 4 pick, but new mock drafts show a slight fall in stock could allow Utah could make a big move by getting the Baylor star, giving their rebuilding team a high-energy, adaptable player.
V.J. Edgecombe Draws Jazz’s Attention Ahead of 2025 NBA Draft
Mock draft analyst Danny Chau of The Ringer has labeled Edgecombe a “supernatural athlete” with unteachable defensive instincts and solid shooting indicators. Chau praised Edgecombe’s amazing speed and pointed out that he was as good as some of the NBA’s most powerful players at jumping and gliding through the air.
“The smooth, frictionless explosion off one or two feet. The sheer elevation. The paraglider hang time. Edgecombe’s run-jump ability is a sight to behold—there may be only a handful of players in the NBA who can match his blend of dynamic athleticism,” Chau wrote.
The Baylor freshman is a defensive disruptor and transition threat at 6’5″. Drawing comparisons to a shutdown cornerback because he can read plays and react swiftly, Edgecombe might be one of the best shot-blocking guards in the NBA.
VJ Edgecombe defensive tape.
28.6% (!) dFG when guarding P&R ball-handlers + 33.3% (!) dFG on isolation plays — one of the best defensive guard prospects in recent memory. pic.twitter.com/g8PCIpHVqC
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) June 5, 2025
He had an impressive freshman season at Baylor, averaging 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. His shooting efficiency improved throughout the season, finishing with a 43.6% field goal percentage and 34.0% from three-point range.
He has already proven himself on the international stage, playing for the Bahamian national basketball team in the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament alongside DeAndre Ayton, Buddy Hield, and Eric Gordon.
Incoming Baylor 5🌟 VJ Edgecombe has been HOOPING for the Bahamas men’s national team.
Through two games, he is averaging 20.5 PPG, on 58.3/42.9/90.9 splits
Edgecombe is the team’s leading scorer over Buddy Hield, Eric Gordon, Deandre Ayton 😱
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) July 3, 2024
Some mock draft experts, like Brandon Austin of PFSN, believe Edgecombe could be a great addition to the Hornets. However, Chau has stated that the Jazz are prioritizing defensive talent and high-energy wings.
With that being said, the 15-PPG prospect checks both boxes, making him a perfect fit for their style of play. If the 76ers select Tre Johnson at No. 3, and the Hornets take Ace Bailey at No. 4, the Jazz could capitalize on the opportunity to draft Edgecombe at No. 5.
