Latest news with #VJEdgecombe
Associated Press
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Rutgers' Harper headlines a bevy of 1-and-done guards set to go high in the NBA draft
There's a deep set of high-end guard prospects in the upcoming NBA draft. Rutgers point guard Dylan Harper is positioned to be the first name called after projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, while Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, Texas' Tre Johnson, Oklahoma's Jeremiah Fears and Illinois' Kasparas Jakucionis are possible top-10 picks as one-and-done prospects. Here's a look at the guards entering Wednesday's first round: Dylan Harper, Rutgers STRENGTHS: The 6-foot-5, 213-pound son of former NBA guard Ron Harper has size at the point and two-way potential. The lefty thrived as a scorer (19.4 points) with athleticism to finish at the rim, score on stepbacks and hit catch-and-shoot looks. Notably, he went for 36 points in an overtime win against Notre Dame, then 37 more a day later in a loss to then-No. 9 Alabama during the Players Era Festival in November. Harper is a playmaker with good court vision, averaging 4.0 assists. He also averaged 1.4 steals, including six against Southern California and four more against a ranked Illinois team in February. CONCERNS: He shot 33.3% on 3-pointers while launching 5.2 per game, though shot selection against contested looks didn't always help. There's also the optics of being the NBA-bound floor leader on a team that finished with a losing record despite featuring a second one-and-done talent in forward Ace Bailey. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor STRENGTHS: Explosive athleticism stands out at both ends, notably as an above-the-rim finisher who creates highlight-reel moments. The 6-4, 193-pound Edgecombe finished in the combine's top 10 with a 38.5-inch max vertical leap, had seven games with at least three made 3s and 11 games with three-plus steals. 'I think for freshmen, the universal (issue) is just being able to sustain the level of intensity required as long as they're on the court,' Baylor coach Scott Drew said recently. 'The size, length, speed is one thing, but just to be able to compete each and every play, it's a different level. And VJ has that.' CONCERNS: Edgecombe shot just 34% on 3s, though Drew said Edgecombe could see gains after refining his shot mechanics. He could also improve in shot creation, such making just 25% (13 of 59) in off-dribble jumpers, according to Synergy's analytics rankings. Tre Johnson, Texas STRENGTHS: The 6-5, 190-pound Johnson averaged 19.9 points to lead all Division I freshmen, as well as being the Southeastern Conference's overall scoring leader. The highlight was Johnson going for 39 points against Arkansas in February to break Kevin Durant's Longhorns freshman single-game record. He thrived off screens (shot 52.1% in those scenarios to rate in the 91st percentile in Synergy) and shot 39.7% from 3-point range, including 12 games with at least four made 3s. He also shot 87.1% at the foul line. CONCERNS: The 19-year-old could use some bulk on a slender frame to help him hold up against bigger and stronger opponents at both ends. Jeremiah Fears, Oklahoma STRENGTHS: The combo guard pressures defenders with his ball-handling and space creation, averaging 17.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists. He got to the line 6.3 times per game and ranked tied for 11th among all Division I players by making 183 free throws. Fears also had a knack for clutch plays, including a four-point play to beat a ranked Michigan team along with a tough late scoring drive for the lead in the SEC Tournament loss to Kentucky. CONCERNS: He needs to get stronger (6-3, 180) and improve his outside shot. He made 28.4% of his 3s, including nine games of going 0 for 3 or worse. Reducing turnovers (3.4) would help, too. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois STRENGTHS: Jakucionis brings size (6-5, 205) and an all-around floor game to the perimeter. He averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists with four double-digit rebounding games and eight games with at least seven assists. He was also one of the nation's best freshmen at getting to the foul line (5.1 attempts per game). CONCERNS: Jakucionis shot just 31.8% on 3s, including 5 of 22 (22.7%) in four bright-spotlight games during the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments. He averaged 3.7 turnovers — sixth-most in Division I, most among freshmen — and had 13 games with at least five turnovers. Others of note: — EGOR DEMIN: The BYU freshman from Russia is a possible lottery prospect as a playmaker with size (6-8, 199), known for elite passing and vision. He averaged 5.5 assists to rank second among all Division I freshmen. — JASE RICHARDSON: The Michigan State freshman and son of former NBA guard Jason Richardson is small (6-1, 178), though the first-round prospect is a 41.2% 3-point shooter. — NOLAN TRAORE: The 6-5, 175-pounder is a scoring playmaker from France. The first-round prospect had previously drawn interest from programs like Duke, Alabama and Gonzaga. — NIQUE CLIFFORD: The 6-5, 202-pound Clifford spent three years at Colorado then two at Colorado State. The first-round prospect is older (23) but had career-best numbers last year (18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 37.7% on 3s). — BEN SARAF: The 6-6, 201-pound lefty from Israel is a scoring playmaker and first-round prospect. He averaged 12.8 points and 4.6 assists last season with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany. — CEDRIC COWARD: The 6-5, 213-pound senior started at Division III Willamette, spent two years at Eastern Washington, had an injury-shortened season at Washington State and was set to transfer to Duke. Now he's a first-round prospect after testing well at the combine. — WALTER CLAYTON JR.: The 6-2, 199-pound combo guard was a first-team Associated Press All-American and Final Four's most outstanding player in Florida's national title run. He's a first-round prospect and gamer who thrived in pressure moments. — DRAKE POWELL: The North Carolina freshman wing has perimeter size (6-6, 195), athleticism, 3-point range and defensive potential to be a possible first-round pick. He has a 7-foot wingspan and had combine-best marks in standing and max vertical leap. — KAM JONES: The Marquette senior and potential first-rounder was a finalist for the Cousy Award presented to the nation's top point guard after averaging 19.2 points and 5.9 assists. He missed two games in his career. ___ AP Sports Writer Stephen Hawkins in Texas contributed to this report. ___ AP NBA:
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ace Bailey's draft odds take hit after mysterious report
The post Ace Bailey's draft odds take hit after mysterious report appeared first on ClutchPoints. The 2025 NBA Draft is two weeks away from this Thursday. With Cooper Flagg the assured No. 1 pick in the draft, and Dylan Harper likely going second overall, the third overall pick is what will really start things off. Advertisement The Philadelphia 76ers currently own the third overall pick. With Joel Embiid on the roster alongside Paul George in the frontcourt, taking a guard might benefit the team to pair next to Tyrese Maxey. Ace Bailey is 6-foot-10 and would give the Sixers a ton of size, moving George down to the small forward position. VJ Edgecombe is a guard from Baylor who could give the Sixers quickness. The Bahamas native is also the new betting favorite to be drafted by the 76ers over Bailey. On FanDuel, Bailey had been favored to go to Philly since the odds were released after the NBA Draft Lottery. Now, Edgecombe has jumped Bailey with -125 odds. Bailey is now +230 to be drafted third overall. These odds changes came from a report that Edgecombe had received a private workout with the 76ers ahead of Bailey. According to Jake Fischer, Bailey is now confirmed to agree to a private workout with Philadelphia. However, FanDuel assumes Edgecombe has the edge at the moment. In fact, VJ Edgecombe is also favored over Bailey at +175 to be drafted fourth overall, which is how the odds have always been since they were released. Advertisement The 76ers have a lot to consider in the next two weeks as they prepare to make a big decision for the future of the franchise. The 76ers are aiming to get back to the postseason, but need Embiid to be healthy in order for that to become a reality. The Sixers play in a difficult division with the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, who will be some of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference again next season. Related: Ace Bailey lands 76ers workout amid draft speculation Related: 76ers rumors: 'Prime candidate' emerges at No. 3 among 2 draft possibilities
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
76ers rumors: ‘Prime candidate' emerges at No. 3 among 2 draft possibilities
The post 76ers rumors: 'Prime candidate' emerges at No. 3 among 2 draft possibilities appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Philadelphia 76ers own the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. It's not entirely clear what the front office plans to do with that pick. However, the latest rumors reveal a 'prime candidate,' while also revealing two likely possibilities to play out. Advertisement Philly is deemed to either stick and pick, or trade back just a couple of slots, according to Jake Fischer at The Stein Line. Those are the two possibilities rumored to come to fruition for the 76ers with the NBA Draft around the corner. Fischer reports that one Eastern Conference executive fully believes those are the two options at play for Philadelphia. 'The only thing that seems certain, according to our latest conversations on the matter, is that Philadelphia will be drafting a top prospect in the very early stages of draft proceedings on June 25. 'They're keeping the pick,' said one Eastern Conference executive, 'or they're trading down a few slots.'' So, it sounds like the 76ers plan to remain within the Top 5 of the draft. However, it appears a prime candidate has emerged in Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe. Reports indicate that Edgecombe, who is 19 years old, has visited with the 76ers. It's said that Philly loves his work ethic and likes the idea of his defensive abilities pairing up with point guard Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt. Additionally, Edgecombe's high ceiling is intriguing as well. 'The prime candidate at No. 3, at this juncture, appears to be Baylor freshman guard VJ Edgecombe, who sources say visited with the Sixers last week… Edgecombe is said to have impressed with his work ethic, personality, and interviews. Advertisement 'He went to dinner with Morey and other 76ers higher-ups. Even Tyrese Maxey, sources say, flew in for the occasion. The Sixers are certainly intrigued by what type of defensive complement Edgecombe could provide their All-Star guard, sources say, in addition to his explosive upside on the offensive side of the ball.' As of now, VJ Edgecombe is the only known prospect to visit with Philadelphia. However, there is speculation that Rutgers forward Ace Bailey is in line to visit the 76ers at some point before the draft. Edgecombe won the Big 12 Freshman of the Year Award for his efforts in the 2024-25 campaign. He leaves Baylor after playing one season for the Golden Bears, averaging 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals per contest while owning a 43.6% field goal percentage and shooting 34.0% from beyond the three-point line. Related: Ace Bailey lands 76ers workout amid draft speculation Related: Ace Bailey's draft odds take hit after mysterious report
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NBA mock draft: Sixers take VJ Edgecombe with No. 3 overall pick
The Philadelphia 76ers hold the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA draft and there are a lot of avenues they can go in order to improve the roster. They can select one of the top players in the draft or they can trade out of the No. 3 slot and move down to create more cap flexibility and add more assets. With that being said, there are a lot of options for the Sixers at No. 3. They can go in plenty of directions such as Ace Bailey out of Rutgers, along with Baylor's VJ Edgecombe, Texas' Tre Johnson, or Duke's Kon Knueppel, or whoever. Advertisement A mock draft performed by USA Today has the Sixers selecting Edgecombe with the No. 3 overall pick: The Bahamian native has displayed his athleticism, has shown he can be explosive and has an elite knack for steals. He will be able to contribute at the NBA level and can be aggressive at the point of attack. The freshman is a high-level off-ball scorer but can improve when it comes to on-ball scoring. Edgecombe logged significant minutes at the end of the season. He had 16 points, six rebounds and one steal in a NCAA Tournament second-round loss to Duke. If one has been following along with Sixers Wire's draft big boards, Edgecombe has consistently been the top pick for Philadelphia. He has a lot of skills that will translate to the league such as his defensive acumen. He averaged 2.1 steals per game in 2024-25 and his athleticism combined with his defensive IQ on that end of the floor will make him an elite player on that end of the floor right away. This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 2025 NBA mock draft: Sixers take VJ Edgecombe with No. 3 overall pick
Associated Press
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
With no players left from last season's team photo, Baylor begins summer practice with new roster
WACO, Texas (AP) — Baylor coach Scott Drew had plenty of players for the first practice of the summer Wednesday, about two months after the team photo from last season was widely circulated on social media with an X marked over all 14 of those players since none was returning to the Bears. Only four of those players exhausted their college eligibility. Nine others left in the transfer portal and one-and-done guard VJ Edgecombe could become Baylor's highest pick ever in the NBA draft later this month. 'Guys you didn't want to lose and were valuable, we haven't had many that we've lost. Whenever you do, that just tears at a coach, because you feel like you didn't do your job,' Drew said this week. 'With the portal, I think we've all gotten used to a lot more turnover in a hurry, and not to take things necessarily personal.' The Bears rebuilt their roster with eight transfers and a four-player signing class with a five-star prospect and the son of a NBA champion. Among the 14 players at the first practice was Cameron Carr, the former Tennessee guard who transferred to Baylor in the middle of last season long after that team photo session. One of the former Bears was guard Robert Wright, who averaged 11.5 points and 4.2 assists a game as a freshman last season and had reportedly agreed to a lucrative NIL deal to stay before transferring to BYU for an even bigger package. 'You know people are going to leave. Rob, obviously, was someone we had an agreement with. When you make an agreement, you think you're done,' Drew said, without getting into any specifics. 'Obviously that was a surprise to us, but again, the staff did a great job of putting together a roster and team. That's part of, hopefully, the House settlement, where you get to a point where you know who's on your team and when they're locked in, they're locked in.' The eight incoming transfers have more than 500 of games played combined, including guards Dan Skillings, who played 100 games over three years for Cincinnati, and JJ White, who started 75 of 99 games at Omaha over the same period. Juslin Bodo Bodo is a 7-foot post from Cameroon, started all 71 of his games for NCAA Tournament team High Point the past two seasons. Obi Agbim, a 6-3 guard, was the Mountain West newcomer of the year after averaging 17.6 points and 3.4 assists in 29 games last season for Wyoming. Five-star prospect Tounde Yessoufou, a small forward from St. Joseph High School in California, leads the signing class that also includes Andre Iguodala II, whose father was a four-time champion over 19 NBA seasons with four teams; Italian forward Maikcol Perez and big man May Soyoye. Baylor, Gonzaga and Houston are the only teams to win at least one game in each of the past six NCAA Tournaments, though the Bears have lost in the second round the past four years since their national championship in 2021. Drew and his staff will get an early look at the new squad with Baylor representing the United States at the World University Games next month in Germany. 'Any year you get a foreign tour, it's huge. ... Since we're returning 0.0 (percent of our) scoring, this give us all an opportunity,' Drew said. 'The games will be good for those that can play in it. But the practices will be great for everyone. And then, the one thing everybody leaves out is you do these team-bonding activities. There's nothing better than being overseas, that really brings you together a lot more than when you have all the distractions you do in the United States.' ___ AP college basketball:
