VJ Edgecombe: From No Electricity to $50M NBA Rookie
VALDEZ “VJ” EDGECOMBE JR. – The young basketball player is making headlines not only for his talent but for his inspiring journey from hardship to NBA stardom. At just 19 years old, VJ was selected as the No. 3 overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2025 NBA Draft—a life-changing moment that brought him to tears on national television.
VJ was born and raised in Bimini, a small island in The Bahamas, where he grew up in poverty. His family often struggled to find enough food and, for seven years, lived without electricity—relying solely on a generator to get by. Raised by a single mother, he witnessed her daily sacrifices to care for him and his three siblings. “Seeing what she had to go through to feed us, it’s crazy,” VJ shared in a heartfelt interview with NBA TV.
Determined to build a better future, VJ moved to the United States in ninth grade to pursue basketball. He eventually played for the Baylor Bears at Baylor University in Texas, earning recognition as a five-star recruit and one of the top players in the class of 2024.
Though he has not yet signed his official contract with the 76ers, VJ is projected to earn up to $50.4 million over four years, based on standard NBA rookie contract scales. Even before entering the league, he landed endorsement deals through the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, working with brands such as PSD Underwear and Panini America. On draft day, Adidas also announced a new partnership with him.
Despite his rapid rise, VJ remains grounded. He recently donated to Gateway Christian Academy, his former school in The Bahamas, to fund student scholarships. In a 2024 interview with SLAM Magazine, he reflected on his purpose: “I want to be in the part that makes it out and sets the standard high and sets a path for all the younger kids behind me.”