Everyone has that one player they just can't quit. For a lot of scouts and NBA nerds right now, that guy is VJ Edgecombe.
He’s fast. Like, "did I just miss a frame of video?" fast. Honestly, watching him run the floor for Baylor or the Bahamian national team feels like watching a different species of athlete. But here’s the thing: athleticism in the NBA is a dime a dozen. What makes the VJ Edgecombe scouting report so polarized is the stuff that happens when he isn't jumping out of the gym.
Is he a superstar? Or just a very high-level role player who happens to have a 40-inch vertical?
Let’s get into the weeds.
The Physical Profile: More Than Just a Vertical
He’s 6'4" (barefoot) and change. He weighs about 193 pounds. On paper, that’s a bit undersized for a wing, but his 6'7.5" wingspan helps bridge the gap. When he was at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, his max vertical was measured at 38.5 inches, though if you ask anyone who watched him in person, they’d swear it was 45.
He's got this twitchiness. It's not just the height of the jump; it's the second jump. You've seen players who land and need a second to reset? Edgecombe doesn't. He’s back in the air before the defender has even finished their first exhale.
Quick Hits on the Physicals:
- Speed: Elite. He glides.
- First Step: Explosive enough to make defenders look like they're playing in work boots.
- Frame: Strong upper body, though he could use more core strength to handle NBA-level contact at the rim.
VJ Edgecombe Scouting Report: The Offensive "Swing" Skills
If you want to know why some people see Dwyane Wade and others see a glorified 3-and-D guy, look at his shooting splits.
At Baylor, Edgecombe was a tale of two shooters. In Big 12 play, he caught fire, hitting 39.1% from deep. But his overall season average hovered closer to 34%. He’s basically the definition of "streaky." When he's on, he’s a nightmare because you have to respect the shot, which opens up the lane for his rim-running. When he’s off, he can sometimes disappear for stretches.
His catch-and-shoot numbers are actually pretty encouraging—around 1.1 points per possession. That tells you he can fit into an NBA offense immediately as a floor spacer.
The Ball-Handling Problem
Here is where the "star" vs. "role player" debate gets heated. VJ isn't a lead playmaker yet. His handle is a little loose. Sometimes his feet are faster than his hands, leading to some "oops" turnovers on drives.
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Basically, he's great when the play is simple. Give him a lane, and he'll kill you. Ask him to navigate a complex pick-and-roll against a dropping big? He’s still learning how to put defenders "in jail" or use a snake dribble. Honestly, he relies on his athleticism to bail him out of bad angles. In the NBA, those windows close.
Why the Defense Is "Scary Good" (Mostly)
He averaged over 2.0 steals per game as a freshman. That’s insane.
Edgecombe plays like a safety in football. He baits quarterbacks—er, point guards—into throwing passes he has no business reaching. Then he teleports. His defensive IQ in the passing lanes is probably the highest in his class.
However, his on-ball defense is a work in progress. He’s sometimes too upright in his stance. He can get "blown by" by smaller, shiftier guards who use his momentum against him. But the recovery? Oh, the recovery is art. He’s a hungry shot-blocker for a guard. Chasedown blocks are a staple of his highlight reel.
The Bahamian Factor
We can't talk about VJ without mentioning the Bahamas. Playing for the national team alongside guys like Buddy Hield and Deandre Ayton changed the narrative. He wasn't just a "college kid" anymore; he was giving professional international players buckets. He averaged 16.5 points on 57% shooting in the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers.
That experience proved he doesn't need to be the "alpha" to be effective. He can play off stars, cut to the rim, and defend the other team's best player without complaining about touches.
The Verdict: What’s the Ceiling?
If the shot becomes a consistent 38% weapon and the handle tightens up, you’re looking at an All-Star guard. Think Victor Oladipo in his prime or a more polished Malik Monk.
If the shot stays streaky and the playmaking never develops? He’s still a high-end starter. A guy who wins you games with "hustle plays," transition dunks, and hounding defense. Basically, his floor is so high that it's hard to see him "busting."
Actionable Insights for the Next Step:
- Watch the Left Hand: Pay attention to how often he finishes or drives left. It's his biggest offensive tell right now.
- Monitor the Corner Threes: His NBA value hinges on being a reliable corner threat. If those percentages stay high, he’s a Day 1 starter.
- Focus on the PNR Reads: In his first few NBA months, look at how he handles the screen. If he starts using his body to shield defenders, he's evolving into a primary creator.
VJ Edgecombe is a highlight waiting to happen, but his real value is in the boring stuff—the rotations, the simple passes, and the relentless motor that doesn't have an "off" switch.