VJ Edgecombe is giving 76ers fans a fresh reason to circle Year 2 on the calendar.
The Philadelphia guard has already made a name for himself in his rookie season, and he’s carrying that momentum into the international stage. On Monday, Edgecombe powered the Bahamas past Panama, 100-82, in the latest window of the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers, stuffing the box score with 25 points, seven made 3-pointers, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. He shot 9-of-16 from the field and finished as the game’s leading scorer.
That kind of burst is exactly why expectations around him are climbing. Philadelphia is heading into his second season with Edgecombe expected to remain a major part of the offense, even with the arrival of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. He and Tyrese Maxey give the 76ers what looks like one of the most explosive backcourts in the Eastern Conference, and maybe the league.
Edgecombe has been producing plenty for the Bahamas, too. Through three games in the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers, he’s averaging 23.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.0 steals. The strong showing against Panama came after he sat out Thursday’s 103-94 win over Uruguay.
The Bahamas improved to 4-4 in Group F with the victory over Panama. Edgecombe also had plenty of support in the win, with Buddy Hield posting 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals, Kai Jones adding 16 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks, and Isaiah Mobley contributing 18 points and five rebounds.
For Philadelphia, the bigger picture is simple: Edgecombe already looked like a player on the rise as a rookie, when he averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.4 steals and earned All-Rookie First Team honors. His latest outburst only adds to the buzz.
The Bahamas will next play Argentina in November. The 76ers open their season against the New York Knicks on October 20.
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