By comparison, the 2024 draft was modest coming a year after the iconic Victor Wembanyama class. But the wait for another enticing draft class won’t be too long. The 2025 class is meteoric, swimming with prospects labeled as future stars. The leading horse by no surprise is Cooper Flagg, Duke’s proud freshman who displays superlative skills. He is touted as the number-one pick. But what if there was no Flagg? Then all the hype and rumbles would still remain but for VJ Edgecombe.

The 19-year-old prospect has taken the basketball world by storm. Just like Flagg did with Team USA Select Team, Edgecombe impressed while being an explosive technician for the Bahamas during the Paris Olympic qualifiers. But enough with his introduction. Let’s take a deeper dive into who the Baylor commit is.

VJ Edgecombe arrives with High School domination

Born on July 30, 2005, the wiry shooting guard with broad shoulders spent most of his childhood in Bimini, the Bahamas. When he was in ninth grade, his family arrived in the USA, settling amidst the basketball craze in New York after two years in Florida. He attended the  Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School in Brookville and broke out instantly.

As a junior, he led the Crusaders to instant glory. Compelling the attention of everyone in the stands, he averaged 15.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.3 steals displaying a domineering presence on both sides of the court. With him at the helm, the Crusaders marched to a state title. Edgecombe rightly received his first New York Gatorade Player of the Year for his rousing contributions.

The seismic wave didn’t stop as a senior. It only grew more powerful. the teenager couldn’t restore to Crusaders to consecutive titles but led them to a 21-5 record. In his final season, he posted averages of 17.3 points, 6.0 rebounds 2.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks, once again being named to the Gatorade Player of The Year in New York.

At the Adidas Eurocamp, his sensational career only took more flight. Rated as the third-best player according to ESPN’s Top 100 list, he earned MVP honors at the camp swarming with the top draft-eligible prospects from around the world.

His undeniable presence on the court earned him a roster spot at the McDonald’s All-American game. An efficient 9 points and 2 blocks saw the top-rated college programs lay out an offer for him. In the end, after considering Duke and Kentucky, he decided to join the behemoth program of Baylor.

VJ Edgecombe dominated pros at the Qualifiers and is all set for Baylor’s outstanding development

Before pulling into the Baylor campus, VJ Edgecombe was selected for the Bahamas national team. He shared the floor with NBA’s sharpshooter Buddy Hield and a former top pick Deandre Ayton. Pairing up with them, he helped secure a finals clash against Spain, eventually losing to the basketball powerhouse.

But he exploded during the four-game stretch. Averaging a mind-boggling 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2 steals, he was fearless. Edgecombe showcased supreme athleticism and tenacity, nearly claiming nasty highlight dunks while torturing ball handlers with his intense defense. Now, he is all set to play under Scott Drew, one of the most successful NCAA coaches.

Entering his 22nd season with Baylor, Drew led them to a title in 2021 and has helped them be a top 10 program in the last five seasons. He will get to play alongside a ravishing coach and talented college sensations. It includes Flagg’s Monteverde teammate Robert Wright III.

Prior to his Baylor stint, VJ Edgecombe participated in the nation’s top camps. Most recently, he was invited to the Damian Lillard Formula Zero Elite joining the most elite of college players. Unsurprisingly, he was awarded the CO-MVP of the camp alongside Jalil Bethea. Bets believe the NCAA is going to be roaring with generational prospects. But even among them, VJ Edgecombe is the one to watch out for.

Depending on his most probable one-and-done collegiate season, Edgecombe could significantly increase in appeal in the NBA world. According to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express, “In a “normal” draft, VJ Edgecombe’s combination of productivity, top 1-percentile athleticism, and considerable upside would make him a strong candidate to be the No. 1 pick”.

And to be very honest, though bleak, it’s too early to rule out the possibility of the 6’5″ freak guard taking the top honors just yet.