Distinguished as premier talents within the 2024 recruitment standings, VJ Edgecombe and Cooper Flagg, both previously holding five-star ratings, gained widespread attention before their anticipated single-season stints at Baylor and Duke, respectively, stemming from an encounter on the preparatory basketball court. The two athletes, each projected to be among the top three selections in the NBA Draft, engaged in a verbal exchange at the free-throw line during 2024.
Edgecombe recently shared his perspective on the perceived friction between himself and another prominent draft contender, downplaying the significance of the incident. This summer, Edgecombe was chosen third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, while Flagg secured the coveted first pick by the Dallas Mavericks.
“It’s a cordial contest; away from the court, we maintain a close relationship,” Edgecombe noted during his participation in Podcast P, hosted by Paul George and presented by Wave Original. “We’re connected, yet we recognize the competitive nature of our on-court interactions. Individuals inferred that he implied negativity due to a perceived inadequacy on my part. However, that wasn’t the case. I transgressed over him. He was situated on the ground when he executed the last shot of the third quarter, and en route to my bench, I observed him prone and proceeded to step over him.
“I accumulated approximately 20-something (points) in that match. He cannot assert that I’m lacking in ability. He attempted a shot, exaggerated contact to solicit a foul, and I remarked, ‘Brother, that does not constitute a foul,’ and subsequently walked over him towards my bench. The media amplified the event. The camera operator exaggerated the situation for sensationalism. I acknowledge it’s for generating engagement.”
Edgecombe and Flagg crossed paths again during their freshman year in college basketball earlier in the year.
“Ultimately, there’s mutual respect between Coop and me,” Edgecombe affirmed. “They revisited the narrative in March (during the NCAA Tournament). We found ourselves at the free-throw line, and efforts were made to rekindle the prior narrative.”
Similar to Flagg, Edgecombe displayed exceptional skill throughout the NBA summer league, prompting Philadelphia to conclude his participation prematurely to prioritize recuperation for the forthcoming 2025-26 season. The 19-year-old showcased his offensive prowess with a game-leading 28 points on 13-of-27 shooting, alongside securing 10 rebounds and providing four assists in his initial summer league appearance during a defeat against the Utah Jazz.
Details outlined by Cooper Flagg’s trainer regarding strategies subsequent to the Mavericks’ resolution to conclude his involvement in the NBA summer league
Brad Crawford
Flagg participated in two starting games prior to the Mavericks’ determination that they had gathered sufficient observation, culminating in his standout 31-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs earlier in the month. Flagg’s prominent scoring showcase represented the highest point tally recorded by a top overall selection in summer league competition since John Wall’s achievement in 2010, affirming the Mavericks’ acquisition of a valuable asset in their leading choice.
Edgecombe averaged 15 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest during his sole season with Baylor, whereas Flagg was recognized as college basketball’s premier national competitor at Duke, amassing 19.2 points per match, accompanied by 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
Edgecombe conveyed to George during his podcast that he “disliked college basketball” due to limited spacing and anticipates the comprehensive exhibition of his offensive capabilities at the subsequent professional echelon.
