VJ EDGECOMBE IS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH! 28 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks in his NBA Summer League debut. The 76ers are excited about their new pick!

VJ Edgecombe Shines Bright in Summer League Debut, Outduels Ace Bailey in Rookie Showdown

Saturday night’s NBA Summer League clash between the Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz wasn’t just an ordinary exhibition—it was a sneak peek into the league’s future. Both teams featured top-five selections from the 2025 NBA Draft, with storylines intertwined well before tipoff. The 76ers, holding the third overall pick, made headlines by passing on the highly touted Ace Bailey in favor of Baylor’s dynamic guard VJ Edgecombe—a decision that was immediately put to the test on the Vegas hardwood.

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Edgecombe, who came into the draft as the reigning Big 12 Freshman of the Year, wasted no time making his presence felt. The 19-year-old erupted for a game-high 28 points on 13-of-27 shooting, while also grabbing 10 rebounds, dishing out four assists, swatting two shots, and committing just two turnovers. Though his outside shot was off (1-for-7 from deep) and he struggled at the free throw line (1-for-3), Edgecombe’s relentless drives and fearless finishes in traffic left a lasting impression. He looked every bit the part of a future star, showcasing a smooth mid-range game and an ability to attack the rim that Utah simply couldn’t contain.

Despite Edgecombe’s heroics, the 76ers ultimately fell short, losing 93-89. But if this was any indication, Philadelphia fans have plenty to be excited about.

Edgecombe’s performance was hardly a fluke. Last season at Baylor, he led all Big 12 freshmen in scoring (15.0 ppg) and steals (2.1 spg), and joined No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg as the only Division I players to tally at least 30 dunks, 50 three-pointers, and 100 made free throws.

VJ Edgecombe Stars For 76ers In Loss To Jazz

On the other side, Ace Bailey—once projected as a top-three pick before a mysterious pre-draft process—struggled to find his rhythm. Bailey finished with eight points on just 3-of-13 shooting, but managed to pull down seven rebounds and delivered an emphatic block that reminded everyone of his elite athleticism. While Bailey didn’t stuff the stat sheet like Edgecombe, he flashed the raw tools that made him such a coveted prospect.

Saturday’s matchup may have belonged to Edgecombe, but with both rookies just getting started, this won’t be the last time these two are compared. If their Summer League debut is any indication, basketball fans are in for a treat for years to come.