VJ Edgecombe Embraces the Spotlight, Focuses on Growth After Electric NBA Debut
As he walked away from his television interview with a wide smile on his face, it was clear that VJ Edgecombe was still riding high off the momentum of his electric NBA debut. The Sixers rookie guard's 34-point performance in his first game against the Boston Celtics has drawn plenty of attention, but Edgecombe remains focused on growth and improvement.
"I'm just trying to take steps in the right direction, learn from film," he said when asked about how he plans to build off of his debut. "I was watching film just now – I learned a lot today. It's just a steady progression, though. That doesn't determine who I am as a player."
Edgecombe also emphasized the importance of learning from his teammates, particularly Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. While he acknowledged that their playing styles may change when they're on the floor together, he believes it will ultimately make the team stronger.
"They're all learning how to play with me on the floor," Edgecombe said. "Nobody's style is changing at all. We all complement each other."
As for whether his performance alongside Maxey was the best of his life, Edgecombe didn't hesitate – but he also tempered expectations, saying that it's not fair to compare himself directly to another player.
"I mean, yeah, I mean, he had 40 points... So, definitely, I would say that's the best," he said. "But comparison is the thief of joy."
Edgecombe also touched on the importance of being able to anticipate and react on the fly, saying that reading the floor is key to success.
"How to read the floor – that's the main thing, just seeing things before it happens... Knowing where defenders are, knowing what other teams like to do, knowing tendencies. So that's the main thing I study."
As he prepares for his first official game in front of Philadelphia fans on Saturday night, Edgecombe is well aware that the city will be watching him closely. While he hasn't been out and about in public much since his debut, he does acknowledge the attention – but remains focused on one goal.
"I just want to keep getting better so the city's happy," he said with a smile. "We want to win, man... That's the main goal for us."
As he walked away from his television interview with a wide smile on his face, it was clear that VJ Edgecombe was still riding high off the momentum of his electric NBA debut. The Sixers rookie guard's 34-point performance in his first game against the Boston Celtics has drawn plenty of attention, but Edgecombe remains focused on growth and improvement.
"I'm just trying to take steps in the right direction, learn from film," he said when asked about how he plans to build off of his debut. "I was watching film just now – I learned a lot today. It's just a steady progression, though. That doesn't determine who I am as a player."
Edgecombe also emphasized the importance of learning from his teammates, particularly Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. While he acknowledged that their playing styles may change when they're on the floor together, he believes it will ultimately make the team stronger.
"They're all learning how to play with me on the floor," Edgecombe said. "Nobody's style is changing at all. We all complement each other."
As for whether his performance alongside Maxey was the best of his life, Edgecombe didn't hesitate – but he also tempered expectations, saying that it's not fair to compare himself directly to another player.
"I mean, yeah, I mean, he had 40 points... So, definitely, I would say that's the best," he said. "But comparison is the thief of joy."
Edgecombe also touched on the importance of being able to anticipate and react on the fly, saying that reading the floor is key to success.
"How to read the floor – that's the main thing, just seeing things before it happens... Knowing where defenders are, knowing what other teams like to do, knowing tendencies. So that's the main thing I study."
As he prepares for his first official game in front of Philadelphia fans on Saturday night, Edgecombe is well aware that the city will be watching him closely. While he hasn't been out and about in public much since his debut, he does acknowledge the attention – but remains focused on one goal.
"I just want to keep getting better so the city's happy," he said with a smile. "We want to win, man... That's the main goal for us."