Philadelphia 76ers' VJ Edgecombe Looks Beyond Basketball
It happens every year in different sports. Great athletes reach their dream of making it to professional leagues.
In particular, the lights are brightest for the NFL and NBA drafts. And many times, the athletes are mesmerized by the spotlight, overcome with emotion because of what they have accomplished.
And while it’s understandable that these young men are caught up in the moment of seeing their hard work pay dividends, it’s truly refreshing when an athlete redirects the spotlight toward the Lord like VJ Edgecombe did on Wednesday. The Philadelphia 76ers selected the former Baylor University standout as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Edgecombe shared his journey, according to NBA on ESPN’s YouTube page.
“We came from nothing,” he said. “We’re truly blessed just to be in this position.”
Also, according to a post on X by NBA TV, Edgecombe said his faith played a central role in making it to the NBA.
“Man, I’m telling you, if you have confidence in yourself, if you have faith in yourself and in the Lord, I promise you, you’re going to be just fine,” Edgecombe said.
Edgecombe said times were tough growing up in the Bahamas. But he credited his mom for helping the family get through.
“Long nights,” Edgecombe said through tears. “I didn’t have no electricity. I lived off a generator for seven years. Seeing what she had to go through … to feed us … man. It’s crazy. I don’t even know.”
One of the best indicators of Edgecombe having a heart for the Lord is the way he showed generosity before he earned a spot in the NBA. When he began making NIL money at Long Island Lutheran High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., Edgecombe set up a fund at Gateway Christian Academy in Bailey Town, The Bahamas. The money helped cover tuition, books, and other academic necessities for students at the institute, according to usatodayhss.com.
Back in March, Edgecombe said his focus goes beyond basketball, according to a post on X by Baylor Bears on SicEm365.
VJ Edgecombe recaps his season at Baylor👇
"I wouldn't trade the experience for nothing in the world ... I promise you, basketball gonna stop ... I just want to be the best man I can be. I want to stay connected to God.”
It’s refreshing to see a young man get his moment in the sun and use that opportunity to point others to the creator of the sun and the whole universe.