VJ Edgecombe, the third overall pick of the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2025 NBA Draft, shared heartfelt memories of his mother’s sacrifices during an emotional interview on draft night. While the Sixers faced a difficult season, with a 24-58 record, Edgecombe’s story brought attention to the personal journey that led to his NBA dream.
Growing up in the Bronx, Edgecombe lived without reliable electricity for seven years, relying on a generator for his home. He described the long nights and the strain on his mother, who worked tirelessly to provide for the family. ‘To see what she had to go through just to feed us? Crazy,’ he said, fighting back tears.
Despite the hardships, Edgecombe’s talent on the court helped him stand out. At Baylor, he averaged 15 points, 3.2 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game. His selection by the Sixers comes at a time when the team is rebuilding, and his presence in the roster could be a key factor in their future success.
The 19-year-old’s story is an inspiring reminder of the obstacles many athletes face to reach their goals. As the 2025 NBA season approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how Edgecombe’s skills translate to the professional level, and how his story continues to influence others in the league.