Predicted Top 5 NBA draft pick V.J. Edgecombe shares how Dwayne Wade's "two-way" abilities inspired him

V.J. Edgecombe, the former Baylor Bears and Long Island Lutheran player, declared for the 2025 NBA draft after his freshman year. The 6-foot-5 guard also teamed up with the son of the 10-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, Kiyan Anthony, in the 2022-23 season at the Crusaders.

On Tuesday, Edgecombe appeared in a video posted by the renowned basketball page League Ready, in collaboration with LuHi Basketball.

"Former 5⭐️ recruit VJ Edgecombe credits Dwyane Wade with influencing his game from a young age. 🔥," the post was captioned.

In the interview, Edgecombe was asked about the players who influenced his game.

"(Dwayne) Wade and Bron (LeBron James), but mainly Dwayne Wade, I knew I was gonna be 6'5, I had it from I've been somewhere around 6'4, somewhere around that, so Wade for sure," answered V.J. Edgecombe.

He was also asked which aspect of Wade's game translated into his game.

"Him being a two-way player, a high-level defensive player and offensive player, so that's where I found myself in."

In his only season at Baylor, Edgecombe played 33 games and averaged 15.0 points on 43.6% shooting, including 34.0% from beyond the arc. He also grabbed 5.6 rebounds, dished out 3.2 assists, stole the ball 2.1 times and recorded 0.6 blocks per game.

In an Instagram post by ESPN's Jonathan Givony, V.J. Edgecombe's physical comp was listed as the two-time NBA Champion Jrue Holiday.

"The DX database flagged Jrue Holiday as a strong physical comp for VJ Edgecombe at the same age. Edgecombe has added 15 pounds in the past 2 years and still has more room to grow physically," the post was captioned.

The post made comparisons between the two players on the basis of age, height, weight, wingspan and standing reach.

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ESPN's Mock NBA draft predicts V.J. Edgecombe to be picked by the Philadelphia 76ers

With the 2025 NBA draft approaching in two weeks, Duke Blue Devils star Cooper Flagg is projected to go as the first pick to the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN's latest mock draft.

Rutgers' Dylan Harper comes next and could be headed to the San Antonio Spurs, joining the 2023-24 and the 2024-25 Rookies of the Year, Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle, respectively.

The Philadelphia 76ers hold the third pick in the draft. Jonathan Givony believes Ace Bailey is their best bet, while NBA draft analyst Jeremy Woo argues that V.J. Edgecombe offers the most value.

The 2025 NBA draft is on Jun. 25.