VJ Edgecombe’s decision to enter the 2025 NBA Draft signals a pivotal shift for Baylor basketball. Expected to be a top-five selection, Edgecombe could become the program’s highest-ever draft pick. His departure strips the Bears of their top scorer and most reliable perimeter defender.
Edgecombe’s explosive athleticism and two-way skill set anchored Baylor’s offensive rhythm and fast-break efficiency. Despite his collegiate success, he drew minimal attention early in high school. Replacing his production and defensive presence presents an immediate concern for the coaching staff as the Bears look to recalibrate both their backcourt and transition strategies.
VJ Edgecombe’s NBA Jump Leaves Baylor Facing Major Backcourt Questions
Edgecombe’s departure for the 2025 NBA Draft has created a significant void in Baylor’s backcourt and forced the program to rework its approach on both ends of the court. The freshman guard started all 33 games last season, averaging 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks in 32.7 minutes per contest. He earned spots on the All-Big 12 Second team, the Big 12 All-Freshmen Team, and was named the conference’s Rookie of the Year.
Edgecombe played a key role in Baylor’s first-round NCAA Tournament win over Mississippi State, posting 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists in the 75-72 victory. The Bears exited the tournament two days later in a loss to Duke.
Edgecombe’s explosive athleticism, transition scoring, and perimeter defense were central to Baylor’s success. His ability to break down defenses with aggressive drives and finish at the rim gave the Bears a consistent source of fast-break points.
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Defensively, his quickness and anticipation allowed him to guard multiple positions and force turnovers, often shifting momentum with a single play. He led the team with 2.1 steals per game.
Jeremy Roach, Baylor point guard, believes Edgecombe’s ceiling remains high.
“He’s super special, plays as hard as anybody out there, is athletic as anybody out there,” Roach told Mirror U.S. Sports. “And he wants to learn. I think that’s the biggest thing for him. He’s always going to ask questions if he doesn’t know.”
With Edgecombe’s exit, Baylor must pivot. Offensively, the team will lean more on structured sets and collective ball movement, lacking the individual shot creation that Edgecombe often provided in isolation.
Defensively, Baylor will need to adopt a more unified identity, relying on returners like Jayden Nunn and Langston Love, along with eight incoming transfers and a recruiting class highlighted by four signees, including multiple five-star prospects.
Edgecombe is projected to be a top-five selection, with many mock drafts placing him between picks No. 3 and 5. Analysts, including ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, frequently link him to either the 76ers or Hornets.
If selected in that range, Edgecombe would surpass Ekpe Udoh (No. 6 in 2010) as Baylor’s highest NBA draft pick. The 2025 NBA Draft begins June 25 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN.