BREAKING: NATION’S NO. 1 SHOOTING GUARD  FLIPS COMMITMENT FROM BAYLOR TO TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS — CITES TWO REASONS FOR SHOCKING MOVE TO KNOXVILLE…..SEE MORE…..

In one of the biggest stunners of the 2024 recruiting cycle, five-star shooting guard VJ Edgecombe has flipped his commitment from Baylor to Tennessee, giving Rick Barnes and the Volunteers a game-changing superstar for the future.

Edgecombe, a 6-foot-5, 180-pound elite athlete from Long Island Lutheran in New York, is ranked as the No. 1 shooting guard and a Top 5 overall player in the class of 2024. Known for his explosive first step, smooth handle, three-level scoring, and suffocating defense, Edgecombe was previously committed to Baylor — but made a stunning switch on Friday morning.

“I’ve thought a lot about where I want to grow the most, and I’ve decided to flip my commitment to Tennessee,” Edgecombe said in a social media announcement. “Coach Barnes and that staff have built a culture I believe in — and I want to be part of it.”

The decision sends shockwaves across college basketball and immediately catapults Tennessee into the national spotlight. With Edgecombe’s flip, the Vols now hold one of the top recruiting classes in the nation and have secured a potential one-and-done NBA lottery pick.

Edgecombe cited two key reasons for his decision: Tennessee’s defensive identity and the track record Rick Barnes has in developing NBA guards.

“Everything about how Tennessee plays fits my game,” Edgecombe said. “They defend, they compete, and they develop players the right way. I want to win and get better — and I feel like I’ll be pushed every day in Knoxville.”

Edgecombe averaged 19.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists during his final year at Long Island Lutheran, while shooting over 48% from the field. He shined on the EYBL circuit with standout performances that had NBA scouts taking early notice.

Coach Barnes was ecstatic about the flip and praised Edgecombe’s all-around game.

“VJ is the kind of player that changes the game on both ends of the floor,” Barnes said. “He’s smart, fearless, and hungry to compete. We’re excited to welcome him to Rocky Top.”

Edgecombe joins a talented Vols roster that already features standout guards and incoming recruits — but make no mistake: he’ll be a Day 1 starter and focal point.

Vol Nation erupted on social media following the announcement, with hashtags like #EdgecombeToKnoxville, #VJToTheVols, and #FlippedToTennessee trending within minutes.

The addition of Edgecombe adds fuel to the Volunteers’ quest for a Final Four and firmly plants Tennessee among the top contenders in college basketball for the 2024–25 season.

“I’m coming to Knoxville with one goal — to win,” Edgecombe said. “Let’s bring a title home to Tennessee.”