The Philadelphia 76ers, looking to rebound from a disappointing 24-win campaign, made a bold statement for their future by selecting Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe with the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
In a class loaded with athletic prospects, Edgecombe’s explosive vertical leap and defensive tenacity immediately set him apart as a high-upside addition for a franchise eager to return to contention.
VJ Edgecombe Embraces the Pressure in Philly
Edgecombe, 19, arrives in Philadelphia with a reputation as a dynamic above-the-rim finisher and elite athlete. The 6-foot-4 guard from the Bahamas recorded a 38.5-inch max vertical at the NBA Draft Combine, the highest in his group and among the best in the class.
During his lone season at Baylor, Edgecombe averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, shooting 43.6% from the field and 34% from beyond the arc. He was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and set a Baylor freshman record with 68 steals.
Edgecombe’s ability to generate deflections, chase down long rebounds, and create transition opportunities injects much-needed pace and defensive versatility into the Sixers’ backcourt.
Sixers 3rd overall pick VJ Edgecombe says he will do whatever it takes to win for Philly
“being that piece to help them get over the hump would mean a lot to me, mean a lot to the fans, the owners, so I’m excited to go out there & see what we can do” ▶️ https://t.co/dQz2OhtAMG pic.twitter.com/IyTeg38uYA — Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) June 26, 2025
Addressing the media after his selection, Edgecombe embraced the city’s championship-starved expectations: “That would mean a lot. It’s been a minute since they won. Going in there and being that piece that’s going to help them get over the hump would mean a lot to me, it would mean a lot to the fans, the owners. All that. I’m excited to go there [and] see what we can do.”
The Sixers’ front office, led by Daryl Morey, has prioritized balancing their veteran Big Three — Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey — with young, athletic talent. Edgecombe’s defensive instincts and high motor project him as a potential difference-maker, even as his perimeter shooting and shot creation continue to develop at the NBA level.
Draft Night: A Family Affair
Draft night also delivered one of the most emotional moments of the evening. Edgecombe’s mother, Bendra Rolle, was overcome with pride during an interview with ESPN’s Monica McNutt, saying, “Super proud. Like he said, we came from nothing into everything.”
VJ Edgecombe is truly an inspiration!! His Mom Words hit deeply when she said “We Came From Nothing” pic.twitter.com/M2wqG0f6m2
— MVP (@mvp242) June 26, 2025
Edgecombe’s journey from Bimini to the NBA has been shaped by his family and his mentor, Buddy Hield, who was present on draft night to support him.
The Sixers are betting that Edgecombe’s blend of athleticism, defensive upside, and hunger can help spark a new era and finally get Philadelphia “over the hump.”
