VJ Edgecombe Claims 2026 Rising Stars MVP Honors
vj-edgecombe-rising-stars-mvp-2026
INDIANAPOLIS — Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe earned Most Valuable Player recognition at the 2026 Rising Stars event after powering Team Vince to back-to-back victories and the tournament crown.
Semifinal Showdowns
The night opened with Team Melo edging the G League-only Team Austin, 40-38. San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper buried the game-winning basket, while Los Angeles Clippers forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser and Portland Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen paced Team Austin’s offense. Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard and Blazers big man Donovan Clingan each scored nine to anchor Team Melo’s balanced attack.
In the second semifinal, Edgecombe erupted for 17 points — including Team Vince’s final 10 — and drilled a step-back jumper over Memphis Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer to seal a 41-36 win against Team T-Mac. Cleveland Cavaliers wing Jaylon Tyson led Team T-Mac with 10 points, while Washington Wizards rookie Tre Johnson added eight opposite college teammate Kyshawn George of the Denver Nuggets.
Championship Thriller
The title game featured a target score of 25. Portland’s Clingan opened with consecutive three-pointers for Team Melo, but Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis answered with a dunk and a post move to keep Team Vince close. Edgecombe’s put-back gave Team Vince a 23-22 edge, forcing a Team Melo timeout.
After Spurs guard Stephon Castle converted a put-back dunk for Team Melo, Edgecombe drove, drew a foul from Clingan, and sank both free throws to clinch the championship. Spurs forward Carter Bryant chipped in five points for Team Vince; Harper led Team Melo with eight.
Source: HoopsRumors
