In the 2024 FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the Portland Trail Blazers staff and fans got a glimpse of one possible future of the team. In the matchup between the Bahamas and Finland, Blazers big man Deandre Ayton joined forced with 2025 prospect Vladez (“VJ”) Edgecombe Jr to lead the Bahamas to a 96-85 victory. Ayton hit 8-12 shots to score 19 points with 9 rebounds. Edgecombe Jr added 20 points, and current free agent Buddy Hield scored 24.
Edgecombe is projected as a possible top-five prospect in 2025. With the Blazers currently expected to be a lottery team, he might be in play when the Blazers pick in next year’s draft.