IN PHOTOS: Baylor's V.J. Edgecombe and Golden State's Buddy Hield shine in custom Kobe PEs during FIBA qualifiers

The Baylor Bears' V.J. Edgecombe is considered a likely lottery pick in the 2025 NBA draft. The star player played with the Bahamian national basketball team for a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games alongside the Golden State Warriors' Buddy Hield.

While playing for the chance to reach the Olympics, Edgecombe and Hield were doing so with style and paying homage to their native land.

Footwear journalist Nick DePaula noted on X that both hoopers had been wearing "Bahamas-inspired Kobe PEs" during the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament.

Buddy Hield, who is a noted Kobe Bryant fan, is a Nike athlete and signed a contract extension with the company in 2022, as per Sports Illustrated. On the other hand, V.J. Edgecombe is expected to receive a sneaker deal in the future.

The Bahamas made it to the final of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, but they lost to Spain 87-78 on Sunday. Hield had a team-high 19 points but went just 2-of-10 on 3-pointers. Edgecombe finished with 12 points on 4-of-11 shooting. Both players also had six rebounds and four turnovers.

V.J. Edgecombe played his part while playing against Spain

Although the Bahamian team did not secure their spot in the Paris Olympic games, Edgecombe played his part for the team. He averaged 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. The Bahamian head coach, Christopher Demarco said, as per College Sports Wire:

“Everything [Edgecombe] does contributes to winning – offensively, defensively, getting downhill and the way he talks [on the court],” Christopher Demarco said. “He stepped into our training camp right away, and he belonged.”

Edgecombe will look forward to starting his college basketball season with Baylor's head coach, Scott Drew. Fans have likened V.J. Edgecombe to Anthony Edwards and Donovan Mitchell after looking at his playing style.

The team has a refreshing set of players, like Jeremy Roach from the Duke Blue Devils, Norchad Omier from the Miami Hurricanes, and more.