Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard VJ Edgecombe has opened up about receiving ongoing mentorship from Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard as he adjusts to both college basketball and the NBA. This relationship has helped Edgecombe overcome early challenges during his transition to professional play.

Encouragement After a Tough College Debut

Edgecombe described his college debut with the Baylor Bears as a “bad first game,” scoring only four points with one assist and three turnovers in 29 minutes on the court. Despite this rocky start, Lillard reached out with reassuring advice that encouraged Edgecombe not to let one poor performance define his journey.

“He was like, ‘Bro, you know what you can do. You can’t let one game carry on for the next couple games because in college you only get so much.’ I just took that advice and ran with it. Forgot about the first game. Ever since me and him have been locked in. That’s my dog.” —VJ Edgecombe, Rookie Guard

Building a Mentorship That Transcends Rivalry

The support from Lillard has provided Edgecombe with a foundation of confidence during a critical period of development. Their established connection continues as Edgecombe faces the heightened competition of the NBA, demonstrating the impact of experienced leadership on young players across team lines.

Implications for Both Players and Their Teams

Lillard’s role as a mentor reflects a growing trend among star players who embrace leadership responsibilities beyond their own squads. For the Trail Blazers, this mentorship highlights Lillard’s influence within the league, while Edgecombe’s progression offers the 76ers a promising guard with guidance from one of the game’s seasoned veterans. Looking ahead, this relationship may serve to strengthen Edgecombe’s performance and confidence, benefiting both teams indirectly.