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Long Island knew it first: VJ Edgecombe was built for moments like this.
The former Long Island Lutheran star delivered one of the most electrifying debuts in NBA history Wednesday night, dropping 34 points in the Philadelphia 76ers’ season-opening win over the Boston Celtics.
Edgecombe’s performance also etched his name into the record books.
His 34 points not only set a new franchise record for most points by a 76ers rookie in a debut — it was also the highest-scoring NBA debut by any player since Wilt Chamberlain scored 43 in 1959.
Not LeBron James, not Kobe Bryant, not even Michael Jordan opened their careers with that kind of performance.
Not bad for a guy who called Brookville home just a few years ago.
“VJ is such an incredibly gifted basketball player,” LuHi head coach John Buck told Greater Long Island after watching the history-making performance. “His talent, combined with his elite competitive drive, makes him a world-class athlete. It’s exciting and truly fulfilling to watch him live out his dream in the NBA. What a debut!”
For anyone who saw him play on Long Island, the breakout came as no surprise. A five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American, Edgecombe’s talent and explosiveness were always there — only this time, the whole country is watching.
Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (77) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
