Prospect: V.J. Edgecombe
Classification: FR
Height: 6’5
Weight: 180 Lbs.
Position: Guard
Stats: https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/vj-edgecombe-1.html
Film:
One of the first things that stands out about Edgecombe is his athleticism. He has a tall and lean frame with long arms, which gives him an advantage on both ends of the court. He has excellent speed and quickness, which allows him to beat defenders off the dribble and get to the rim with ease. His leaping ability is also impressive, making him a threat for alley-oops and put-back dunks. His athleticism also translates on the defensive end, where he can guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes with his length.
Edgecombe’s shooting is another aspect of his game that has NBA teams excited. Despite being just a freshman, he has a polished shooting stroke with range out to the three-point line. He has a quick release and can knock down shots off the catch or off the dribble. His ability to hit shots from all over the court makes him a versatile scoring threat for Baylor’s offense.
For a player his size, Edgecombe has impressive ball-handling skills. He can handle the ball in traffic and create his shot off the dribble. This skill set makes him a tough matchup for opposing defenders, as they have to respect both his shooting and driving abilities.
Another aspect of Edgecombe’s game that stands out is his passing ability. He has great court vision and can make pinpoint passes to his teammates, even in tight spaces. This skill is especially valuable for a small forward, as it allows him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Despite being a perimeter player, Edgecombe is not afraid to get physical on the boards. He has a knack for positioning himself well and using his length to grab rebounds on both ends of the court. This is an important skill for a player his size, as it allows him to contribute in multiple ways on the court.
While Edgecombe has an impressive skill set, there are still areas of his game that he can improve upon. One area is his consistency. As is the case with most freshmen, there will be times when he struggles to find his rhythm or make shots. However, with more experience and coaching at the college level, he should be able to develop more consistency in his game.
Another aspect that Edgecombe can work on is his defense. While his athleticism and length make him a solid defender, he will need to improve his footwork and defensive positioning to become an elite defender at the college level. As he continues to grow and develop physically, this should come with time and experience.
Overall, V.J. Edgecombe has all the tools to become a solid NBA player. His combination of athleticism, shooting, and passing ability make him a versatile threat on offense, while his rebounding and potential on defense make him a well-rounded player.
Physical Attributes:
- Frame/Athleticism: Edgecombe has a strong 6’5″ frame with a solid build, allowing him to absorb contact while finishing at the rim. His athleticism stands out, with impressive quickness and explosiveness that allow him to excel in both transition play and attacking the basket.
- Mobility: Shows excellent lateral quickness and fluid movement on the court, enabling him to guard multiple positions. His agility helps him evade defenders on offense and provides strong on-ball defense.
- Length: With a solid wingspan, Edgecombe is a threat as a shot-blocker and can disrupt passing lanes, especially in transition. His length also aids in his rebounding and ability to finish above the rim.
Offensive Skills:
- Interior Scoring:
- Edgecombe excels at finishing through contact with a variety of moves around the basket, such as floaters, acrobatic finishes, and finishes through traffic.
- His ability to create space and power his way to the hoop makes him a reliable option inside.
- Mid-Range Shooting:
- Shows promise as a mid-range shooter with the ability to knock down shots from the baseline and high post.
- Needs to continue to develop consistency in this area to become a more reliable threat in the halfcourt.
- Passing:
- A capable passer out of the pick-and-roll or when attacking the basket, often finding open teammates for easy buckets.
- Reads the game well and is capable of making quick decisions, particularly when double-teamed in the post or when driving into the paint.
- Screening and Rolling:
- Sets solid screens and rolls to the basket with purpose. He has soft hands, making him a lob threat when his teammates find him at the rim.
Defensive Skills:
- Rim Protection:
- Edgecombe is an effective shot-blocker due to his length and timing. His presence in the paint alters shots even when he isn’t able to directly block them, making him a deterrent around the basket.
- Post Defense:
- While more effective on the perimeter, Edgecombe’s strength and size allow him to hold his ground against bigger players in the post. He’s disciplined and rarely overcommits, making it hard for opponents to establish position.
- Perimeter Defense:
- Edgecombe has the lateral quickness to stay in front of smaller guards on the perimeter, showing flashes of solid defense in isolation situations.
- Rebounding:
- Uses his athleticism and length to excel on the boards. He’s an active rebounder who pursues every loose ball and boxes out effectively, securing possessions for his team.
Strengths:
- Athleticism: Edgecombe’s combination of quickness, explosiveness, and leaping ability makes him an elite athlete on both ends of the floor.
- Versatility: He has the tools to impact the game as a scorer, playmaker, and defender, making him a multifaceted asset for Baylor.
- Motor: Edgecombe plays with relentless energy, consistently competing at a high level on both offense and defense.
Areas for Improvement:
- Shooting Consistency: Needs to become more consistent with his jump shot, particularly from beyond the arc, to stretch the defense and open up more scoring opportunities.
- Defensive Fundamentals: While he shows promise as a defender, refining his defensive positioning and anticipation will make him a more complete and disruptive defender.
- Ball Control: While he’s quick with the ball, continuing to work on his decision-making and limiting turnovers will further enhance his overall game.
