V.J. Edgecombe Honors His Mother After Making History as No. 3 NBA Draft Pick

Published July 1, 2025 | Brooklyn, NY

He made sure his mother got her flowers on draft night.

When V.J. Edgecombe heard his name called as the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, it wasn’t just a personal triumph — it was a victory for an entire family, a community, and a country.

The 19-year-old Bahamian guard, who starred at Baylor University, made history as one of the highest-drafted players ever from the Caribbean. But beyond the bright lights and flashing cameras, it was the heartfelt moment he shared with his mother that truly captured the spirit of the evening.

As NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced his name, Edgecombe stood up in disbelief before embracing his mother, who was visibly emotional. She wiped away tears as the crowd cheered, her son’s dream finally realized after years of hardship and sacrifice.

During his post-draft interview with Taylor Rooks, Edgecombe tried to hold back tears as he spoke about his upbringing and his mother’s resilience.

“Long nights, long nights,” he said, voice cracking. “I lived off a generator for seven years — no electricity. And seeing what she went through to feed us? It’s crazy. It’s crazy. I don’t even know, my mind is everywhere right now.”

For many watching, it was one of the most powerful moments of the night — a reminder that behind every draft-day success story lies years of struggle, perseverance, and unconditional love.

Born and raised in The Bahamas, Edgecombe’s journey to the NBA is the stuff of inspiration. He moved to the U.S. as a teenager to pursue basketball, quickly earning a reputation as one of the nation’s most explosive athletes. At Baylor, he averaged 18.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, leading the Bears deep into the NCAA Tournament and cementing his status as a top prospect. (ESPN, June 2025).

On draft night, Edgecombe dedicated the moment to his mother — the person who, as he said, “never let the light go out,” even when their home was powered by a generator for years.

“Everything I am is because of her,” he told Rooks. “This isn’t just my moment. It’s hers too.”

Fans and fellow players flooded social media with support, calling the moment “the most genuine and emotional interview of the night.” One post that went viral read: “V.J. Edgecombe didn’t just make it to the league — he carried his family’s dreams with him.”

The NBA’s official account later shared a clip of the interview with the caption: “From the Bahamas to the Big Stage — dreams realized.”

Edgecombe’s story joins the growing legacy of Bahamian basketball success, following in the footsteps of players like Deandre Ayton and Buddy Hield, both of whom have spoken proudly about representing the islands on basketball’s biggest stage.

As for his mother, she told reporters later that evening, “I prayed every night for this. God is good.”

Indeed, on a night defined by style, speeches, and superstardom, it was V.J. Edgecombe’s raw emotion — and his mother’s quiet tears of joy — that reminded the world what the NBA Draft is truly about: family, sacrifice, and the power of believing against all odds.

Congratulations to the entire Edgecombe family.