Despite being fundamentally the same sport, college basketball and NBA basketball present distinctly different playing environments. This disparity significantly impacts player development and professional success, a point well-illustrated by Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe`s recent insights.
This fundamental difference explains why collegiate success doesn`t always translate to professional achievement. For instance, only one of the five consensus first-team NCAA All-Americans from the recent season, Cooper Flagg, was a lottery pick in the NBA Draft. Other top collegiate players like Walter Clayton Jr. (18th overall) and Johni Broome (early second round to the 76ers) illustrate this disparity, while Alabama star Mark Sears went undrafted, and Purdue`s Braden Smith opted to remain in college. Further emphasizing this, only one 2022 first-team All-American, Keegan Murray, consistently plays in the NBA.
The significant stylistic and skill-set differences between the two leagues clarify this divergence. VJ Edgecombe, the third overall pick for the Sixers, recently discussed this topic with teammate Paul George on the `Podcast P` show. Despite averaging 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in his single season at Baylor and earning second-team All-Big 12 honors, Edgecombe was not selected for any All-American teams. The 20-year-old Bahamas native has openly explained why his college production wasn`t necessarily indicative of his NBA prospect status.
A brief comparison of college and NBA games reveals vastly different spacing. The NBA`s defensive three-second rule prevents big men from lingering in the paint, unlike college basketball, making drives to the basket much harder in the NCAA. Additionally, the deeper NBA three-point line and professional shooters` accuracy force defenses to cover more ground.
Edgecombe`s performance in the NBA Summer League demonstrated the positive impact of this increased spacing. In his two summer league games (one in Salt Lake City, one in Las Vegas), he shot an improved 59% (10-for-17) at the rim, up from 54% at Baylor, according to Synergy Sports. For example, Edgecombe was seen driving past defenders with no rim protector impeding his powerful finishes, a stark contrast to college play.
Despite a lower 3-point percentage (2-for-13) in his two games, Edgecombe found himself `unguarded` on 67% of his catch-and-shoot attempts in summer league, a significant increase from just 37% at Baylor, according to Synergy. Plays from the Las Vegas Summer League highlighted the ample space Edgecombe had for above-the-break 3-point attempts. In stark contrast, Baylor possessions from the Big 12 tournament often showed Edgecombe facing cramped conditions, forcing highly contested 3-point shots.
As an elite athlete, Edgecombe is expected to contribute immediately on defense for the Sixers. His offensive ceiling will largely depend on his shooting and playmaking abilities, both of which should be facilitated by the NBA`s improved spacing compared to college. This transition is further aided by Edgecombe`s openly expressed dislike for college basketball.
