Valdez ‘VJ’ Edgecombe is headed to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Bahamian basketball standout stood out on the biggest stage for pre-draft hopefuls on Wednesday night, being taken with the third overall pick in the 2025 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Duke University star Cooper Flagg went with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Mavericks, Dylan Harper, son of NBA legend Ron Harper, was drafted number two overall to the San Antonio Spurs, and then, it was Edgecombe’s time.
After being called third overall, Edgecombe walked out in a full black suit with the colors of The Bahamas’ national flag sewed into the arms of the suit and photos of those who helped him along the journey to the NBA on inside of the jacket. Edgecombe said the suit was designed by his brother. He realized a dream on Wednesday night, becoming the fourth Bahamian first-round pick in the NBA Draft in the last 10 years, joining Chavano ‘Buddy’ Hield who was taken with the sixth overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016, DeAndre Ayton who went number one overall to the Phoenix Suns in 2018, and Kai Jones who was drafted 19th overall to the New York Knicks in 2021.
In his first interview as a professional basketball player, Edegcombe said he’s super excited.
“We came from nothing, so to be here in this position, I feel truly blessed,” said Edgecombe to ESPN’s Monica McNutt on Wednesday night. “Emotions are super high right now. This is a dream come true.”
Edegecombe said he appreciates all of the love and support he’s gotten from Bahamians everywhere.
“I feel like the country is united right now,” he said. “Bahamians go hard at it for each other and for a guy from the island to make it this far, they are behind me every step of the way, and I’m grateful for all the love and support. Right now, I’m just taking it day by day. I’ve been grateful the whole time, not worried about where I’m going or anything like that. It’s all about staying right spiritually.”
Mom Bendra Rolle was right on her son’s side lending support.
“I’m just super proud of him right now,” she said tearfully. “Like he said, we came from nothing, and to be in this position is a blessing. Bimini to the world! 242 to the world!”
In an earlier press release, she detailed how her son envisioned this moment from he was a child growing up in Bimini.
“He looked beyond high school and college ... he was determined to make it to the NBA,” she said. “This challenging journey has been loaded with prayers, sacrifice, and tears. I watched my ambitious barefoot son play pickup ball, nail up a crate to play basketball in the yard, quietly stayed disciplined, and followed his dream.
“While he remains humble, I am constantly amazed by his now camera ready charisma and magnetic personality. My once quiet son is now positively outspoken. I truly thank God for my family and the small Bimini village that helped to raise ‘VJ’. This journey would not be possible without those individuals and institutions that were once like strangers and became friends, family, and strong support systems — his high school in Long Island, New York, and Baylor University are among them. I encourage young people throughout The Bahamas and everywhere to never give up, and always remember that manners and respect are often more valuable than money. To God be the glory.”
It’s interesting that mother Rolle would mention the crate rims, because that is the same story that Hield shared on growing up in Eight Mile Rock, Grand Bahama. They have both come from a long way.
Coincidentally, Hield was on hand to welcome Edgecombe into the NBA on Wednesday night.
“I’m so excited for him,” said Hield in an earlier interview at the Buddy Hield Foundation’s Basketball Camp in George Town, Exuma. “He’s (Edgecombe) come from a long way, and he’s probably the best prospect The Bahamas has had since DeAndre Ayton. He’s a wonderful talent and a great kid. I’m just happy for him and happy for his family and happy for The Bahamas.”
Edgecombe was one of just 13 prospects who were invited to have a table in the NBA’s green room for the draft. The green room is a staging area in front of the NBA Draft podium, where players, their families and agents await announcements from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in relation to a player’s selection spot in the draft.
It was a no-brainer that he would go early in the draft. He was the only draft-eligible player to work out twice with the Sixers, and as scripted, they took him third overall behind Flagg and Harper.
Edgecombe had a dynamic season with the Baylor University Bears — his first and only season in men’s college basketball. He averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game while shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 34 percent from three-point range.
Edgecombe, a 19-year-old 6’5” athletic wing player, started 29 of 29 games for the Bears, leading them in minutes played at 32.7 per game, and was one of the more dynamic players in division one basketball in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). He finished second on the team in scoring and assists, and led the team in steals, and also led all freshmen in the Big 12 Conference in scoring and finished third among freshmen in rebounds and assists.
Edgecombe was named Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year and also earned All-Big 12 Freshman Team and All-Big 12 Second Team selections. He went on to have a strong performance at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, and then it was only a matter of time before he got his big moment on the big stage.
Many expect this to be just the beginning for the Bahamian basketball star. He will likely receive a lucrative deal from the Sixers, begin his transition from college to the pros, and then many expect him to excel at the next level.
“I’m excited ... just embracing the moment,” said Edgecombe in an earlier interview. “I feel like when you play the game, your game should do the talking. You just add more pressure to yourself when you allow the outside noise to get into your head. I didn’t have a lot of money growing up, so to get paid for playing the game I love, is like the best feeling in the world. I’m just looking forward to the opportunity to go out there and make an impact.”
Even with all-star caliber players Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, the Sixers failed to advance to the playoffs in the 2024-2025 NBA season. Edgecombe said he’s looking forward for the opportunity to contribute right away.
“Well, I’m coming there to win,” said Edgecombe. “We’re going to have to figure it out, but I’m coming there to win. I feel like I’m very versatile and can do a lot of things on the floor. I feel like I could make a contribution,” he added.
Edgecombe joined Hield and Ayton in last year’s FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifiers in Valencia, Spain. The trio led The Bahamas to the doorstep of qualifying for the Olympics. They fell one game short, losing to host nation Spain, 86-78, in the championship game of the qualifiers. It was FIBA’s (International Basketball Federation) last step of the qualifying process.
Edgecombe has a bright future. The sky is the limit for the Bahamian basketball star.