VJ Edgecombe, Johni Broome represent bets that the Sixers have been preparing to make for some time

CAMDEN - Friday represented more than just two new Sixers joining the Philadelphia family.

It was the day a tree started to emerge from the grass after the Sixers planted seeds in the ground some time ago.

The Sixers planted the seeds for VJ Edgecombe during his days in high school.

"We have a pretty detailed process here. It starts at the high school level and all the pre-work in the years prior to their coming into college, with national teams, with everything. And that process continued through this year," president of basketball operations Daryl Morey told reporters after selecting Edgecombe with the third overall pick on Wednesday night. 

They planted the seeds for Johni Broome years ago.

"I actually went through the process two years ago and we had a great talk at the Combine two years ago and they told me some things I needed to work on to improve. This past year, I had another talk with them at the Combine," Broome explained at Friday's introductory press conference. 

"They were impressed by me making that jump, me doing the things that they talked about I needed to grow. I think they can see the growth and the developmental part in me that still has room for improvement."

Both players represent bets on progression. 

For Edgecombe, it's the tantalizing athleticism that pairs nicely with an impressive motor and defensive chops. Philadelphia is betting that he can parlay those intangibles into the high-level offensive game required of a top lottery pick.

For Broome, it's a bet on trust. He demonstrated coachability and work ethic, taking the Sixers' advice a few years ago and returning with many of those boxes checked.

According to the decorated college big man, the Sixers wanted him to improve his motor and speed. They wanted him to rebound at a higher level. Philadelphia believed Broome needed to enhance his body and improve his conditioning.

They rewarded his efforts and maturity. (Broome's combo big man features also conveniently fill a need that may be opened if Guerschon Yabusele departs this summer.)

Broome is confident he won't have to be pigeonholed into one position, be it power forward or center.

"I think I can. The league is going to the two bigs a little bit. You see a lot of teams doing that a little bit more often now. Whatever they want me to play, four or five, both," he said.

"It doesn't matter. Like I said, I'm going to compete, I'm going to work hard. So I'm just ready to play."

The two rookies were in perfect synchrony at the podium on Friday: they're ready to do what is asked of them.

"The main thing, they told me I have to work for it. Just fit into what Coach Nurse has going on. I'm here to buy into whatever role - you know, we didn't talk about that, to be honest - but whatever role they have me playing, I'm just willing to buy in," the Baylor guard said of his envisioned role in the offense.

Broome is focused on being the best teammate he can be.

"Whatever my role is going to be, I'm going to embrace it. I'm going to try to be the best teammate I can be, the best player I can be. I just want to win. So whatever it takes to win, I'm going to do it," the Auburn big said.

"But it's going to be fun playing with guys like VJ, Tyrese, Jared McCain, Joel and Paul. It's going to be very fun, just learning from those guys and being a student."

While Broome is closer to being a finished product, Edgecombe has the upside to complement what he can already do. For now, he cares most about getting to know his new brothers.

"Just getting to know the whole team. Just building relationships with them, because I'll be playing with them. So just getting to know the whole team, and that's the first thing I need to do," he said.

And when it comes time to build sweat equity, Edgecombe knows what works for him. He's going to rely on his eyes to start developing whatever comes next.

"Continue getting better. Just sit there - I'm a visual learner, so I just like to watch everyone else work out - I have the opportunity to watch even Johni or other players on the team just work out, I'll do that. I can learn from anybody. So it's not just on the court or physical work. There's a mental part of it, too."

Until it's time to start really learning, Edgecombe is taking suggestions on where to eat in his new city. If you run into him, he might even give you a hearty "Go Birds!".