Rutgers guard/ahead Ace Bailey, thought of one in every of faculty basketball’s prime prospects, has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, per Shams Charania of ESPN.
A freshman in 2024-25, Bailey averaged 17.6 factors, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals in 33.3 minutes per sport throughout 30 outings (all begins) for the Scarlet Knights, posting a capturing line of .460/.346/.692. He was named to the Huge Ten’s All-Freshman Staff, in addition to the All-Huge Ten Third Staff.
The No. 3 choose on ESPN’s big board, proper behind Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper, Bailey had a “polarizing” season, Jeremy Woo famous in ESPN’s most recent mock draft. However the 6-foot-10 swingman’s uncommon ability set ensured that he stays close to the highest of most NBA evaluators’ boards.
“I did good,” Bailey told ESPN. “I may have accomplished means higher, however I matured this season. The sport slowed down for me. My IQ obtained increased. I obtained sooner and means stronger. My ball-handling and capturing tightened up. Rutgers had me guarding everybody from level guards to energy forwards. I discovered lots.”
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony writes that Bailey has “distinctive” shot-making means and has displayed spectacular defensive depth. He’s additionally one of many youngest prospects within the 2025 draft class — he’ll flip 19 in August.
“I’m nowhere near reaching my potential,” Bailey mentioned. “I’m nonetheless younger, nonetheless studying, however I’m working every single day. My play-making is bettering. NBA groups will get an lively participant prepared to speak, lead and put folks in the precise positions. I can take a very good workforce to a greater stage.”
