VJ Edgecombe is coming off a sensational rookie season, and he has more than lived up to the expectations placed on him when he was drafted third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. What people need to remember, though, is that he wasn’t always the consensus pick for the team at the time.
That’s even more the case when you take into account the fact that Edgecombe himself wasn’t even sure the 76ers were impressed enough with his pre-draft training. In one recent appearance on the Club 520 podcastthe rookie star revealed he was worried about whether the team would go with him after a rather shaky start to his training.
“I went to practice, and I’ll be honest, I only practiced for one team. I took my chance – I’m not going to lie. That was Philly. I only practiced for Philly. I went there and, damn it, I’m not going to lie, I shot like four airballs. I was nervous as hell. But afterward I was like, ‘Man, they’re calling me up or they’re not, it’s whatever at this point.’ I didn’t even try to trip over it. ut Yeah, man, I’m not gonna lie. I’ve never been so nervous. You have the owners, you have everyone on the baseline and on the sidelines just watching you. It’s your practice, just you in there with the coaches.
76ers rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe reveals how he fared during his pre-draft training
At the time, it was widely believed that the 76ers were actually choosing between Edgecombe and Rutgers standout Ace Bailey. That made it all the more justified that the former felt unsure about his chances of landing in Philly, the only team he has worked for.
But thanks to Bailey’s camp, who has gone the extra mile to ensure he will not playing in Philadelphia – the 76ers’ decision to draft Edgecombe at No. 3 ended up being a pretty easy pick on draft night. He was the best player available after the first two consensus prospects were signed.
Turns out there were never any serious doubts about Edgecombe’s staying power in Philly. The team quickly cemented him into the starting lineup and gave him a prominent role from the start. He is now one of the most crucial players in the team and his status as the future centerpiece of the franchise is rock solid.
Edgecombe is arguably still in the running for Rookie of the Year and a virtual lock for All-Rookie First Team. His skillset has expanded into several departments, and his score-first profile has quickly evolved into an all-round package. His three-point shooting and passing were major concerns heading into his rookie year, but he made rapid development in those areas.
There is no rookie in his class with more jumps and jumps than Edgecombe. That alone gives him a solid lead over most. That said, his mentality and willingness to actively participate on the less glamorous side of the pitch will take him places as his attacking game is already in the upper echelon.
Now Edgecombe can only laugh off those four air balls.
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