There is encouraging news for the 76ers, as Edgecombe (illness) is listed as probable for Friday’s game against the Bulls. He was previously questionable but made it through shootaround without setbacks. Additionally, Dominick Barlow (illness) and Quentin Grimes (illness) have also been upgraded to probable.

The 76ers will rely on one of their top performers this season, behind Tyrese Maxey, to pursue victory—especially since it remains unclear if Joel Embiid will play today, as he is also listed on the injury report.

All eyes will be on the injury report to determine if Embiid and Edgecombe take the court. Coming off Tuesday’s loss to the Nets, Embiid led the team with 27 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Paul George added 19 points and four rebounds.

How the Bulls arrive

Chicago enters Friday’s NBA matchup with a 14-15 record after a road win over the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. Josh Giddey spearheaded the Bulls with a 19-point, 11-rebound, 15-assist triple-double, while Coby White added 24 points and four assists.

Players ready to step up in case of absences

If Embiid is sidelined against the Bulls, Andre Drummond is likely to start in his place, with Adem Bona also potentially seeing increased minutes, particularly with Dominick Barlow still dealing with an illness.

Similarly, if Edgecombe cannot play on Friday, Jared McCain may earn a start, while Justin Edwards and Jabari Walker could see expanded roles during the absence of VJ.

Edgecombe‘s historic night began in the very first quarter when he exploded for 14 points. This performance broke the 22-year-old record set by LeBron James, who scored 12 points in the first quarter of his 2003 debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Edgecombe is now the all-time leader for most points scored by a rookie in the opening frame of an NBA debut.

The former Baylor Bears star finished his dream debut scoring 34 points, along with seven rebounds and three assists, being the second-highest scorer of the night behind Tyrese Maxey who finished with 40 points.

His great performance allowed him to continue writing his name in the history books of both the NBA and the 76ers. The Philadelphia rookie became the third player to score the most points in his league debut, trailing only to Wilt Chamberlain (43 points in 1959) and Frank Selvy (35 points in 1954) on the all-time list.

Regarding the 76ers, Edgecombe’s scoresheet allowed him to become the rookie who scored the most points in a debut for Philadelphia, surpassing the great legend Allen Iverson, who scored 30 points in the 103–111 loss to the Bucks in 1996.

Edgecombe wants to prove fans wrong

Philadelphia kept the third pick of the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft and at the time of choosing they could no longer select Cooper Flagg, selected by the Mavericks, or Dylan Harper, who was selected by the Spurs.

With Ace Bailey still as a possible option in the draft, the 76ers decided to go for Edgecombe, leaving Bailey for the Jazz. However, during the first two games of the NBA preseason, the former Rutgers Scarlet Knights star managed to score 25 and 20 points respectively, making Philadelphia fans wonder if the franchise had made a mistake in the selection.

However, Edgecombe’s flawless regular-season launch against the Celtics immediately quieted the critics. His performance suggests the 76ers may have found a star in the making—an asset the team sorely needed given the current injuries to backcourt veterans Paul George and Jared McCain.

That’s why Kiyan Anthony can get some decent pointers ahead of his freshman year at Syracuse. He’s close friends with VJ Edgecombe, and he will certainly have some pieces of advice to give him after his days at Baylor.

Most people don’t know that Anthony and Edgecombe were actually roommates in high school, and the future Philadelphia 76ers draft pick actually took him under his wing.

Kiyan Anthony and VJ Edgecombe have been close for years

“I mean for two years, that [VJ Edgecombe] was my roommate, so basically one of my closest friends, seeing him every day, staying with him every night, you know, being in the same room.” Kiyan said, per Essentially Sports, “I just learned everything, like from how he approaches the game; you know how he wakes up every morning and how he eats. So, I learned from that, and now I am trying to apply that to myself, plus of what I already have from my dad.”

Edgecombe now looks like a star in the making, while Anthony will still have to spend at least one year in college before taking his talents to the pros, just like his old man did.

It’ll be interesting to see how both of their careers pan out and who does better once it’s all said and done. More than that, they will certainly star in some epic battles.

That didn’t change throughout the course of the season, but other players also emerged as potential superstars, with Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe as one of the most notorious risers.

That’s why people have speculated about a potential brewing rivalry between the two of them. In a recent appearance on Paul George’s ‘Podcast P,’ Edgecombe shut down that narrative.

VJ Edgecombe says he’s close with Cooper Flagg

“Off the court we’re close, on the court we’re competitors,” Edgecombe told George.

That’s what it’s all about. You have to be able to separate the battles that take place between those lines from the outside world, and there’s plenty of room for both of them to grow.

Edgecombe also has everything he needs to have a long and successful career in the pros, and while he will most likely always be compared to Flagg, we can just enjoy both of their games.

From the sunlit gyms of the Bahamas to packed arenas, VJ Edgecombe has become more than a name to watch, he’s a storm in motion. His explosive athleticism and sharp instincts make him a rare blend of raw energy and talent.

With highlight reels that travel faster than rumors in college basketball, he’s earned his place among the most electric prospects. But behind the hype is a kid who’s been grinding long before the cameras showed up.

A recent injury tested his rhythm but not his resolve. In 2025, he was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, turning potential into reality. Now, his story moves to the NBA stage—with promise, grit and plenty more to come..

How old is VJ Edgecombe?

Valdez “V.J.” Edgecombe was born on July 30, 2005, making him 19 years old as of June 2025. He has already compiled an impressive resume and a rapid ascent for such a young prospect.

How tall is VJ Edgecombe?

VJ Edgecombe stands tall at 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) and weighs in around 180–195 lb, with wingspan estimates up to 6‑7½ in. Standing tall for a wing, his frame combines length and agility—ideal for a modern two‑way guard who can defend multiple positions and attack off the bounce.

Which team did VJ Edgecombe play for in college?

In the 2024–25 season, VJ Edgecombe played one pivotal year at Baylor, embracing a high-responsibility role under coach Scott Drew. His stat line (15 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.2 APG and 2.1 SPG over 33 games) highlighted his two-way impact and rapid integration into top-level college hoops.

Originally from Bimini, he refined his game at Long Island Lutheran HS before committing to Baylor over elite programs like Duke and Kentucky. His freshman season included standout moments—a 28-point explosion against Kansas State and consistent high-level output in Big 12 play.

Despite facing veteran college opponents, he didn’t shrink, he thrived. He earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year, Second-team All-Big 12 and All-Freshman Team, proving he could lead, defend and score at a high level from day one.

VJ Edgecombe’s injury

During a mid-season clash with Kansas, VJ Edgecombe went down hard after landing awkwardly on a drive, exiting the game with an ankle injury. The quick diagnosis from Baylor confirmed a lower-body issue with no timetable for his return.

It wasn’t a season-ending setback, but it did pause his momentum during a critical stretch. At the time, he was averaging nearly 15 PPG, 5 RPG and over 2 SPG. While sidelined, he remained a visible presence, leading by example and in prep work.

His bounce-back was swift, returning within weeks, peppering highlight reels with aggressive drives and lock-down defense. The way he managed recovery and performance helped reinforce his reputation: a young athlete with both physical resilience and unwavering mental toughness.

VJ Edgecombe’s career highlights

2024 McDonald’s All-American: Edgecombe was selected for the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game, an annual showcase for the nation’s top high school talent. He stood out with his explosiveness, defensive energy, and confidence attacking the rim against elite peers.

Nike Hoop Summit (Team World): Representing the World Team, Edgecombe held his own against the top U.S. prospects. His two-way skill set and poise under pressure drew praise, showing he could compete on the global stage and not just dominate in high school gyms.

2024 Jordan Brand Classic: Another elite invite-only event, the Jordan Brand Classic featured future NBA talent—and Edgecombe made the most of it. He impressed scouts with his transition play, court vision, and ability to adapt his game to different lineups and tempos.

Big 12 Freshman of the Year (2025): In his lone season at Baylor, Edgecombe earned the conference’s top rookie honor. He was a difference-maker from Day 1, contributing on both ends of the court and becoming one of the most consistent young players in Big 12 play.

Second-Team All-Big 12 (2025): A rare feat for a freshman, Edgecombe was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team. This recognition reflected more than just stats—it was a nod to his maturity, versatility, and impact in one of college basketball’s toughest conferences.

Baylor Stats (2024–25) | 15.0 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, 2.1 SPG: Edgecombe’s stat line at Baylor speaks to his all-around game. He wasn’t just a scorer—he rebounded, distributed, and disrupted. His ability to contribute across categories made him one of the most well-rounded guards in the nation.

Bahamas National Team | 2024 Olympic Qualifier: Edgecombe represented the Bahamas in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia. Facing seasoned professionals, he averaged 16.5 points and was a key offensive option, proving he could rise to the occasion on an international platform.

Notably, whichever team wants to get a scoring point guard will keep tabs on Texas star Tre Johnson, who averaged 19.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, shooting 42.7% from the field and 37% from three last season.

Johnson turned plenty of heads for the Longhorns, which is why he’s now been invited to attend the NBA Draft’s green room, according to a report by Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Tre Johnson gets green room invite ahead of NBA Draft

“NEWS: Texas wing Tre Johnson has received a green room invite to attend the NBA Draft with his family, a source told ESPN,” reported Givony.

He will join fellow high-end prospects Cooper Flagg, Derik Queen, VJ Edgecombe, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, Khaman Maluach, Jeremiah Fears, Kon Knueppel, Kasparas Jakucionis, Egor Demin, Carter Bryant, and Asa Newell.

This isn’t much of a surprise, as green room invitees are often projected to be taken high in the first round, and given the way he played last season, it would be shocking to see Johnson still be on the board after the first ten picks.

They will have to make some big moves in the offseason, and they might even consider trading some of their stars to hit the drawing board and slowly rebuild their roster.

If that’s the case, they might want to target Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe. On top of his two-way potential, it seems like he grew up rooting for the Heat, or at least digging deep into their tape to mold his game.

VJ Edgecome shaped his game after two Heat legends

“[Dwyane Wade] and [LeBron James],” Edgecombe said on the Deep 3 podcast. “But mainly Dwyane Wade. I knew I wasn’t going to be 6-foot-9. I had a feeling I would be around 6-foot-4. So Wade for sure. Him being a two-way player–a high level defensive player and offensive player–that’s something I pride myself in.”

Edgecombe is just 19 years old, so it made sense that he grew up watching ‘The Heatles’ when he first fell in love with the game of basketball. Also, you can definitely see shades of Wade in his game.

Still, he’s projected to be a top-five selection. After averaging 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals on 43.6 percent shooting, the Heat will have to find a way to move up from No. 20 to have a shot at landing him.