VJ Edgecombe - Baylor guard/wing - 19 y/o

Stats: 15 p/g, 6 r/g, 3 a/g, 2 stl

Measurables: 6'4" - 193 lbs - 6'7" wingspan

Edgecombe possesses exceptional explosiveness, vertical pop, and speed. He's a blur in transition and can finish above the rim with ease, making him one of the most athletic players in the draft class. He projects as a high-level defender who can make an immediate impact. He's quick laterally, has active hands (averaging over 2 steals per game), and can generate blocks for his position. His defensive motor is consistently high. Edgecombe is an effective spot-up shooter with a smooth form, and he's shown the ability to hit movement threes. He's also an active cutter and crashes the offensive boards well, creating easy scoring opportunities. He's not afraid to drive into traffic and absorb contact, drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line consistently. He plays with a high motor and competitive spirit. Edgecombe demonstrates good court vision and makes smart, connective passes. He can operate in pick-and-roll actions and shows a good feel for the game, often making the right play. His combination of athleticism and defensive prowess allows him to guard multiple positions and fit into various lineups. While functional, his ball-handling needs refinement to become a consistent primary creator. He can struggle to break down defenders in isolation, sometimes getting out of control or fumbling the ball. His pull-up jumper is inconsistent (shot 25% on pull-ups in college). Despite his athleticism, he struggles with consistency in finishing layups in the half-court, sometimes taking off too far or relying too heavily on athleticism over refined footwork. Improving his core strength to finish through contact will be crucial. While a strong on-ball defender, he occasionally loses focus off-ball, falling asleep or being late on closeouts. His wingspan (roughly equal to his height) is also a minor concern for a potential wing defender in the NBA. He also sometimes forces drives or takes contested jumpers, leading to streaky shooting nights. V.J. Edgecombe is a highly intriguing prospect with a high floor due to his elite athleticism and defensive capabilities. His offensive game is still developing, particularly his self-creation and pull-up shooting. However, his work ethic, basketball IQ, and potential for growth make him a player with significant upside.

NBA Comps: Victor Oladipo, De'Aaron Fox with no handle, Dwayne Wade

Best Fits: Charlotte, Washington, Philly

Ceiling: All-NBA

Floor: Rotation guard/wing

Projected Draft Range: 3-4