Buddy Hield Praises Rising Star VJ Edgecombe Ahead of Matchup

Buddy Hield, a prominent figure in Bahamian basketball, has expressed his admiration for fellow countryman VJ Edgecombe ahead of their teams’ first meeting in the NBA. As the Golden State Warriors prepare to face the Philadelphia 76ers on October 27, 2025, Hield emphasized Edgecombe’s potential as a standout player in the league.

Hield, who recently completed an intense shooting routine, dismissed the idea that his mentorship played a significant role in Edgecombe’s success. “He’s homegrown, he’s self-grown, he’s that guy,” Hield stated during an interview with the Bay Area News Group. This endorsement comes as Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in the most recent draft, is making a strong case for the title of “Rookie of the Year.” Currently, he averages 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, contributing significantly to the 76ers’ unexpected competitiveness.

With Tyrese Maxey emerging as a leading ballhandler, Edgecombe’s presence in the starting lineup suggests a promising future for the 76ers, despite concerns about star player Joel Embiid’s health. Hield has been following Edgecombe’s journey since the young player was just 13 years old, when he first attended Hield’s basketball camp in the Bahamas.

The young athlete moved to the United States for high school, quickly making a name for himself at Long Island Lutheran before excelling in college basketball at Baylor University. Hield was present at the NBA Draft to support Edgecombe, who remarked, “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 had high expectations for Edgecombe even before his NBA career began. In April, he proclaimed, “VJ is up next. I had him when he was just a young pup, and now he’s big-time.” While Edgecombe continues to refine his game, he possesses immense athleticism and scoring potential. Unlike Hield, who has carved out a successful career as a three-point shooter with over 2,155 career 3-pointers, Edgecombe is still developing his shooting skills.

Hield remains optimistic about Edgecombe’s future in the modern NBA landscape. “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,” he noted. As both players prepare for their upcoming matchup, the basketball community is eager to see how Edgecombe continues to evolve as a player.