Four-star VJ Edgecombe dives into Duke, UConn, Providence, Michigan, and Mississippi State

VJ Edgecombe jumped to No. 13 in the recent 2024 On3 150 update. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard was named New York’s state Gatorade Player of the Year this season, as well as the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference (NIBC) Player of the Year. He averaged 15.5 points, 2.1 steals, and 1.5 blocks for Long Island (NY) Long Island Lutheran.

“I’m an all-around leader, a two-way player,” Edgecombe tells On3. “I don’t know if it exists, but I’m an all-around, two-way player and a leader. I’m really trusting my teammates, and that has taken my game to another level. Of course, I continue to improve on the skill side, but this summer, I’ve become a leader. I watch a lot of Anthony Edwards and young Dwayne Wade, mix it up a bit to just be me.”

On3 caught up with VJ Edgecombe after a recent live viewing to get into his recruitment.

Edgecombe talks recruiting

“I have not taken any visits yet, and I don’t have anything planned right now,” Edgecombe said. “I’m not really talking to schools about visits yet. I would say I’m hearing the most from Duke, UConn, Providence, Mississippi State, and Michigan right now.”

Duke: “I know a lot about them, I mean, it’s Duke. They have a great resume and a great coaching staff. They have produced a lot of great players. I feel like I play hard, and they play hard. I feel like they like to play defense, too.”

Michigan: “I’ve built a great relationship with Coach Saddi (Washington) and Coach Juwan (Howard) over the past couple of months. I’m learning a lot about the program.”

Connecticut: “The conversations with UConn are good. We had a player at my high school (Jayden Ross) go there, so I heard a lot about it. I saw them around all the time, and they showed me love from day one, and I really appreciate that.”

Providence: “I feel like I’ve been able to build a relationship with Coach (Kim) English. He just keeps telling me how much he likes how hard I play and how unselfish I am.”

Mississippi State: “They were the first one, my first offer. Our relationship is great with the entire staff. I talk a lot with Coach (Chris) Jans and Coach (David) Anwar, and we have built a great relationship over the past few months. I really appreciate them for showing love to me.”

In his words

“I’ll probably start really focusing on my recruiting after AAU ends,” VJ Edgecombe said. “My recruitment is still open, so more schools could come in. I’m hearing some from Kentucky, they’re really the only school that hasn’t offered yet that we hear from.

“I want to go to a winning culture, play for a team that wins. I want to play for a team that plays hard and plays together. I’ll need to have a great relationship with the coaching staff and play for someone I trust.

“I feel I can fit into any system, really, so how they play won’t really matter as much. I do want to play for a team and a coach that plays defense, though.”