Buddy Hield Celebrates Rising Star VJ Edgecombe Ahead of Matchup

PHILADELPHIA – Ahead of the highly anticipated matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers on March 27, 2025, veteran player Buddy Hield expressed his admiration for rising star VJ Edgecombe. Hield, who has served as a mentor to the 20-year-old rookie, dismissed the notion that his guidance was the reason for Edgecombe’s success. “He’s homegrown, he’s self-grown, he’s that guy,” Hield stated in an interview with the Bay Area News Group earlier this week.

Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in the recent NBA draft, has made a significant impact in his debut season. He is currently averaging 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while playing 36.4 minutes per night for the competitive 76ers. With Tyrese Maxey emerging as a formidable lead ballhandler, Philadelphia’s future looks promising, especially as the team navigates the uncertainties surrounding star player Joel Embiid’s health.

Hield has closely followed Edgecombe’s development since he was just 13 years old and attended one of Hield’s basketball camps in the Bahamas. Similar to his mentor, Edgecombe later moved to the United States for high school, where he quickly gained recognition as a top recruit at Long Island Lutheran. Following a standout season at Baylor University, Edgecombe was drafted into the NBA, a moment Hield was proud to witness.

“He’s my dog,” Edgecombe said in an interview with Andscape in July. “Buddy came to the draft. He pulled up just to show love. It means a lot and that goes a long way. He shows that he actually cares about me, cares about my future, cares about me as a person.”

Hield has remained optimistic about Edgecombe’s potential even before his NBA career began. Back in April, Hield confidently declared, “VJ is up next,” emphasizing the young player’s trajectory as a key component of the Bahamas national team, which is coached by Warriors assistant coach Chris DeMarco.

While Edgecombe’s style differs from Hield’s established shooting prowess—Hield has made over 2,155 career three-pointers—his athleticism and scoring potential are undeniable. Hield believes that the modern NBA’s spacing will benefit Edgecombe significantly. “I knew that once he got to the NBA, once he got that space and was surrounded by great players, he was going to be just fine,” Hield remarked.

As both players prepare to face off on the court, the matchup not only highlights their personal journey but also represents the bright future of Bahamian basketball. With Hield’s mentorship and Edgecombe’s raw talent, both players are set to leave their mark in the league, making this game one to watch for fans and analysts alike.