Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Sixers’ VJ Edgecombe Names Favorite NBA Player Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 3:07 PM ET

After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017, the Philadelphia 76ers leaned on the 2025 NBA draft to restock their talent pipeline.

With the No. 3 overall pick, they selected Baylor guard V.J. Edgecombe, a 6‑foot‑5 sharpshooter and lockdown defender whose blend of explosiveness and shooting touch earned him Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors.

As the Sixers ramp up towards training camp and a Joel Embiid-Tyrese Maxey-led core, the organization offered fans a closer look at their prized rookie on Saturday.

In a video posted to the NBA’s official X account, Edgecombe was asked about his favorite players growing up and those he admires today.

Without hesitation, he named Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and explained why he sees himself in the young NBA star.

"I feel like we’re both super explosive and he’s a two‑way player too. So that’s what I like about his game," Edgecombe said.

Ahead of his #NBASummer debut learn more about VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick with @Jamiersen ‼️ pic.twitter.com/9OvTsOQjTN
— NBA (@NBA) July 5, 2025

Born in Bimini in the Bahamas, Edgecombe migrated to the United States when he was in the ninth grade, playing in Florida for two years before transferring to Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School in Brookville, New York.

At Long Island Lutheran, he averaged 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.7 steals per game as a senior, per Nike EYBL Scholastic, and earned McDonald’s All‑American honors in 2024.

In his lone season at Baylor (2024-25), he posted 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per game on 43.6% shooting, numbers that garnered Second‑Team All‑Big 12 and Freshman of the Year accolades.

Edgecombe’s self‑comparison to Edwards primarily centers on explosiveness and two‑way versatility, areas where the Timberwolves guard has already set the standard.

If he can cultivate even a fraction of Edwards’ scoring punch and defensive tenacity, however, Philadelphia’s future already looks much brighter.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: