Bahamian basketball standout VJ Edgecombe is officially headed to the NBA after being selected third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers on the opening night of the 2025 NBA Draft.
The 19-year-old guard, known for his athleticism and high-energy play, made a name for himself last summer as part of the Bahamian national team, suiting up alongside current NBA players and helping raise the profile of Caribbean basketball. Now, he’ll join an elite franchise in Philadelphia, where he’s expected to become a dynamic backcourt partner to All-Star Tyrese Maxey.
Edgecombe’s draft stock soared following an impressive freshman season at Baylor University, where he averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists over 33 games. He shot 43.6% from the field, 34.0% from beyond the arc, and 78.2% from the free-throw line. His stellar play earned him Big 12 Rookie of the Year honors and spots on both the All-Big 12 and Big 12 All-Freshman teams.
Despite buzz surrounding the Sixers’ third pick, Edgecombe said the moment came as a surprise.
“No, I had no clue what was going on,” he told ESPN.
“I was like, I’m just living in the moment until they tell me that I’m going there when I was at the table. Like 15 seconds before they drafted me, before the commissioner called my name. They didn’t tell me nothing. It was still up in the air about what was going on.”
Edgecombe is now one of the highest-drafted Bahamian players in NBA history, following in the footsteps of fellow countrymen like Deandre Ayton and Buddy Hield. His selection continues a strong wave of Caribbean talent breaking into the league.
