V.J. Edgecombe, the standout freshman from Baylor University, put the league on notice at the 2025 NBA Draft combine in Chicago. The NBA Draft Combine is a multi-day event where college and international prospects showcase their skills to teams before the NBA Draft.
It’s a chance for players like Edgecombe to improve their draft ranking by showcasing their athletic abilities, basketball skills, and fit within an NBA structure, in front of NBA scouts, coaches, and executives.
V.J. Edgecombe Posts Wild Vertical Numbers
Edgecombe is certainly showing off his rangy and freakishly athletic ability during the combine. During the maximum vertical jump, he posted a jaw-dropping 38.50″ vertical, the highest out of his group.
Edgecombe edged out Cooper Flagg, the presumptive favorite for the No. 1 overall pick, in max vertical leap. Flagg posted a 35.50″, three inches short of the Baylor standout freshman.
Ironically, Edgecombe lost to Flagg and Duke in the Sweet 16 in the NCAA March Madness Tournament. The Baylor guard dropped 16 points on 6-for-12 shooting and 1-for-5 from three. Flagg was impressed, scoring 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, and came out with the win.
Some early returns from the NBA draft combine. VJ Edgecombe tops the max vert leaderboard with a 38 1/2 inch vertical leap. pic.twitter.com/KGUui8USiX
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress)
Edgecombe got some payback on the Duke star by beating him in the max jump at the Draft combine.
Look Back at Edgecombe’s Impressive Freshman Season
Edgecombe averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists during his lone college season with the Baylor Bears. He shot 43.6% from the field and 34% from beyond the arc. While his jump shot still needs work, the 19-year-old forward has the work ethic to make the necessary improvements.
He possesses elite NBA-level athleticism and has the ability to put the ball on the floor and finish over just about anyone. Edgecombe showed off his leaping ability with a monster slam over Gonzaga.
VJ Edgecombe recorded a career-high 30 points for Baylor in a game against Kansas State on January 22, 2025. He poured in 20 of those points in the second half, showcasing a variety of NBA-ready moves that are sure to catch the attention of GMs ahead of next month’s draft.
Will Edgecombe Go Top 5 in the NBA Draft?
Edgecombe is a dynamic leaper with impressive speed—whether he’s blowing by defenders, jumping passing lanes, or coming out of nowhere for chase-down blocks. He has the potential to become one of the NBA’s top shot-blockers from the guard position, due to his explosive leaping ability and relentless effort.
While it remains to be seen where Edgecombe will land, his physical tools, athleticism, and high ceiling make him a tough prospect for teams to pass on in the NBA Draft this June.