TWO OF the top prospects ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, VJ Edgecombe and Ace Bailey are hard to split, and both have claims as a top-three selection in June.

With Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper likely to be the top two selections out of this draft class, wings Edgecombe and Bailey have been battling for the remaining spot on the podium, and both will likely make excellent players at the top level.

Given it is one of the biggest storylines coming into the NBA Draft, Rookie Me Central will be comparing the two talents, showing why each player would be a worthy selection inside the top three in a couple of months.

VJ Edgecombe vs. Ace Bailey

Vitals

VJ Edgecombe
Baylor Bears, guard/forward, 196cm, 81kg

Ace Bailey
Rutgers Scarlet Knights, guard/forward, 208cm, 90kg

2024/25 averages

Edgecombe – 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.1 steals, 0.6 blocks, 43.6 per cent FG

Bailey – 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.3 blocks, 46 per cent FG

Style of play

Edgecombe has the more balanced style of play in comparison to Bailey, offering more as a playmaker, defender and has shown a great level of basketball IQ. He has quite a balanced game, and is probably the safer bet out of the two here, given he made more threes, shot better from the field and from the free throw line, and does not rely on his scoring too much. Although it was an inconsistent campaign for Edgecombe at times, he still has suggested on enough occasions that he has the star power to justify claims inside the top three.

While he relies much more on his scoring, Bailey has the higher ceiling in the matchup, and was the most hyped Freshman behind Flagg coming into the season. Although there are some concerns he is a one-dimensional player who is mainly a scorer, his ability to find the bottom of the net is unmatched within the draft class, and if he can translate this to the NBA, he could be a generational talent, following in the footsteps of some of the best offensive players of the modern era.

Question marks

Edgecombe is quite a balanced prospect in comparison to his competitor here, his upside is not quite as high as Bailey’s. He was certainly a solid player for the Bears this year, contributing as a scorer, defender and secondary ball-handler, although he did struggle with the latter at times. His potential is slightly unclear, with his role varying from three-and-D transition scorer to explosive three-level contributor, but he has the higher floor here.

Bailey on the other hand has the higher ceiling, but is also a bigger risk than Edgecombe here. With such a high ceiling, there is a concern around his decisionmaking, which could get in the way of his game translating to the NBA, as he has been prone to a rush of blood with his shot selection at times. It also does not help that Rutgers failed to make the NCAA National Tournament, giving Bailey less time to showcase his game.

Player comparisons

Edgecombe has an athletic profile, looking quite similar to the likes of Russell Westbrook and Dwyane Wade, who were both able to run and gun as good as anyone in their prime. However, his ability to score at all three levels as well as impact as a defender sees him most matched to Victor Oladipo, prior to career-ending injuries.

Bailey’s most obvious comparison that is clear as day when watching him play is Kevin Durant, and although it may be a tall order for the youngster given the pedigree of the latter’s career, it is impossible to deny. The way that Bailey moves and scores is much like a younger Durant, and given the NBA veteran is widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA scorers of all time, it bodes well for the Rutgers wing if he can reach those heights.

The verdict

It is tight, and will come down to the draft lottery, but it seems as if Edgecombe is the better pick here, showing a higher floor and proving a safer bet, and although Bailey’s ceiling is extremely high, the former can fit into more teams at NBA level.