VALENCIA (Spain) - Allow me to introduce myself. VJ Edgecombe's competitive senior debut for the Bahamas was certainly one to remember.
TCL Player of the Game? Tick. Play of the game? Tick. The 18-year-old brought it at both ends of the floor to finish with 20 points in an opening 96-85 victory.
Only a handful of teenagers have played in an OQT game since 2008. Only a few more have score in double-digits. Only one more - New Zealand's Tai Webster - has scored as much points as Edgecombe.
Rare air acchieved by the youngster.
The level of confidence on display was perhaps to be expected of a talented kid that has been eagerly awaiting this opportunity, and tipped for a bright future.
"I was just trying to figure it out," Edgecombe stated humbly. "This is my first time with the senior national team and I want to give a big shoutout to my teammates for helping me and encouraging me to play hard and do everything I can on the floor.
"It's a blessing being part of this team. Being around pros, NBA guys and playing against them - it's unbelievable. I'm truly happy to be here."
It was Edgecombe's intensity on the defensive end that was crucial in the second half, but it was also his high-flying athleticism that sent the crowd wild.
"I had the first one that I missed, so then I had the second one and I had to try it again."
It's that fearless attitude that has impressed the coaching staff, and his teammates during camp as the Bahamas push for a historic trip to the Olympics.
"Really everything he does contributes to winning; his defense, his offense, the way he talks out there," enthused head coach Chris Demarco.
Captain Buddy Hield added: "He’s a high-character kid that has shown serious flashes. He’s fun to be around and fun to play with. The game always rewards that, he plays it in the right way. Today, he really showed he can play at this level - and no matter what age you are, he’s ready."
"He's only going to go up and up." - Buddy on VJ.
The incoming Baylor freshman has earned his plaudits, and losing isn't something that registers in his vocabulary.
"I'm just trying to bring a winning mentality. I'm accepting of any role, and willing to do whatever the team needs me to do.
"The team always has confidence. I feel that's something Team Bahamas will never lack. We just have to keep staying together and fight through adversity."
That role has perhaps got even more significant on the basis of that opening performance, and whatever happens, Edgecombe is already one to watch for the here and now.
FIBA