VJ Edgecombe raves about Kentucky, prioritizes relationships with coaches

Kentucky is turning up the heat on 2024 five-star guard VJ Edgecombe, the nation’s No. 5 overall prospect. Now the top uncommitted player in the class, the 6-4 shooting guard out of Long Island (NY) Lutheran previously cut his list to ten, but has taken five official visits to Duke, Kentucky, Baylor, Florida and St. John’s.

And he doesn’t have any others planned as of now.

That’s because things are ramping up with a select few programs as he looks to shift into decision mode. There is no timeframe for a commitment yet, but he knows what he’s looking for in a school and those pushing all their chips in on him provide that.

“The main thing for me is going to be the relationship that I have with the coach,” Edgecombe told On3’s Jamie Shaw. “That is really important to me. The fit will be big. You have to be able to fit into the program. You don’t want to go to a program where you can’t blossom and grow and develop as a person on and off the court.”

Kentucky jumped in after Edgecombe had already cut his list down to ten, but John Calipari and the Cats have quickly made up ground. And if you ask the five-star guard, they certainly have those things he’s looking for in a program.

“I learned about Coach (John) Calipari and his resume and what he has done with guards like me and what they have done in the league,” he told On3. “My relationship with the program has grown a lot since the visit too. Even though they did come in a little later, we keep growing. Coach Cal and I talk almost every day, and I know all the other coaches. They’re showing a lot of love. Guards stir the drink for Kentucky, and that is great.”

Edgecombe also broke down his relationships with Duke, St. John’s, Baylor and Florida while confirming the G-League and NBL remain in the running.

“I’m going to have to look at the pro route versus the college route and see where I think I will be most happy,” he said.

Kentucky continues to make in-person visits to meet with Edgecombe and watch his games, building that relationship while also hoping to prove the on-court product is one the reigning New York Gatorade Player of the Year wants to be a part of.

The Cats are building momentum.