VJ Edgecombe reveals why he chose to wear a rare jersey number with the Sixers

USA Today

3 days ago

After wearing No. 7 at Baylor University, Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe will begin his career by donning a number never previously worn by a player in franchise history.
Edgecombe was forced to choose a new number because No. 7 is currently occupied by 19-year veteran Kyle Lowry, who re-signed with the Sixers on July 7. With his favorite number off the board, Edgecombe opted to go with 77.
The third overall pick will be the first Sixers player to wear No. 77, according to Basketball-Reference. Only 23 players in history have gone with that number, including Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić and Toronto Raptors guard Jamison Battle.
Edgecombe was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, averaging 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals on 34% shooting from 3-point range at Baylor. He finished in double figures 27 times, including a season-high 30 points on Jan. 22 in a win over Kansas State.
The Bahamian guard debuted with the Sixers in the NBA Summer League, averaging 21.5 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and 1.5 blocks on 42.5% shooting from the field. He was limited to two appearances due to a left thumb sprain.
Edgecombe told teammate Paul George on "Podcast P" that he'd stick with No. 77 should he win Rookie of the Year or if the Sixers win the title next season. Currently boasting the third-best odds to win the annual award, Edgecombe may be wearing that number for a long time.
Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.
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