The 2025 NBA Draft saw an emotional and pivotal moment as the Philadelphia 76ers selected VJ Edgecombe from Baylor as the No. 3 overall pick, following Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper at No. 1 and No. 2 respectively. This decision marked a dream come true for Edgecombe, who shared a tearful, heartfelt moment with his mother during an ESPN interview, expressing profound gratitude by stating, “We came from nothing.”

Edgecombe, recognized as the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, had an impressive season at Baylor, showcasing his potential as a two-way player. He averaged 15 points, 4.2 assists, and a team-leading 2.1 steals per game. His strong performance positioned him as a highly sought-after prospect, and On3’s final mock draft accurately projected him as the No. 3 pick to the 76ers. On3's James Fletcher III highlighted Edgecombe's intriguing profile as a wing prospect, noting his great length and already strong two-way capabilities, suggesting he requires minimal projection while possessing flashes of stardom.

Leading up to the draft, Edgecombe had a strong workout with the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite a reported hint of nervousness, as noted by ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony, the front office was thoroughly impressed by his abilities. The 76ers ultimately chose Edgecombe over Rutgers star Ace Bailey, who was later drafted by the Utah Jazz with the No. 5 pick. Edgecombe is now poised to join the 76ers' core, which includes Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, bringing a new dimension of youth and athleticism to the roster.

The selection of Edgecombe aligns with the strategic vision of 76ers' President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey. According to journalist David Aldridge, Morey had previously expressed a need to make the team younger and more athletic, particularly regarding the bench. Edgecombe's athletic prowess and ongoing development as a shooter make him an ideal fit for this objective, fulfilling Morey's goal to strengthen the team's depth and future potential.

Beyond his collegiate achievements, Edgecombe's journey to the NBA is marked by significant milestones. A native of Nassau, The Bahamas, he honed his skills at Glen Head (NY) Long Island Lutheran, where he was a five-star prospect. He was ranked as the No. 4 overall player and the top-ranked shooting guard in the 2025 recruiting cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. Furthermore, prior to the draft, Edgecombe was one of two projected lottery picks to secure an endorsement deal with Adidas, joining an elite roster of basketball stars that includes NBA players like Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Anthony Edwards, as well as WNBA stars such as Chelsea Gray, Aliyah Boston, and Kahleah Copper.