Baylor MBB Season Preview: Top Impact Freshmen For 2024-2025
As No. 8 Baylor MBB's season opener on Nov. 4 against No. 6 Gonzaga approaches, it's time to start breaking down the roster, plus the biggest storylines and questions heading into the 2024-2025 season.
Today, with a little help from hoops experts Ashley Hodge and Kendall Kaut, we'll assess the most impactful freshmen on this year's roster.
VJ Edgecombe: Guard, 6-foot-5, No. 5 Player in 2024 Recruiting Class
- Hodge: "He's electric and can defend at a very high level. The question will be his three-point shooting and avoiding recklessness on the offensive end. His athleticism is the best we've seen at Baylor since Perry Jones and Pierre Jackson."
- Kaut: "He has a much higher defensive ceiling than Baylor’s recent non-Jayden Nunn guards. His athleticism and competitive fire will make him a top-five pick in the NBA Draft."
Earlier this summer, five-star freshman VJ Edgecombe spent time playing with Team Bahamas in an attempt to qualify for the Paris Olympics. On a squad surrounded by three NBA players — Deandre Ayton, Eric Gordon and Buddy Hield — Edgecombe arguably looked like the best player on the court. He averaged 16.5 points, 3.8 assists and 2.0 steals in four games.
“Everything VJ does contributes to winning — offensively, defensively, getting downhill and the way he talks,” Bahamian head coach Christopher Demarco said. “He stepped into our training camp right away and belonged.”
As the season approaches, Edgecombe has been placed on numerous watch lists and received numerous honors, including the Preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year award. He will be a must-watch every night and is a projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Rob Wright III: Guard, 6-foot-1, No. 23 Player in 2024 Recruiting Class
- Hodge: "He will play a lot more than people expect, including finishing out games. He's strong, confident, quick and a great decision-maker. He's ready for prime time."
- Kaut: "He is the future, and he’ll play plenty of minutes. I think he’s Baylor’s best player in 2025-2026, and he may close games this season. His passing and feel for the game are unbelievable."
Similar to last year with freshman phenom Yves Missi, there’s been a ton of hype and excitement surrounding freshman guard Rob Wright III as the season approaches. He helped lead Montverde to a 33-0 record and a Chipotle Nationals Title as a senior in high school.
He’s been described as a “winner” and will find his way onto the court one way or the other. In his preseason predictions article, Kaut mentioned that he expects Wright III to play 25 minutes a night by the time conference play rolls around.
Baylor has one of the best collections of guards in the country, and Wright III is reportedly already making noise throughout practice, which speaks to how talented he is. It’ll be interesting to monitor how Wright III performs against No. 6 Gonzaga and No. 16 Arkansas, but all signs point to him being ready for the moment.
Be sure to check out our other MBB preseason content!
- Wingspan Wednesday: Opening Week Approaching
- 10 Predictions for Baylor Basketball's Season: Leading Scorer, Tournament Finish & More!
- Big 12 Media Days Notes: Lineups, Players and More!
- Ring By Spring: MBB Scrimmage Recaps and Season Preview
- Top Returning Players For 2024-2025
- Top Incoming Transfers For 2024-2025