Rutgers guard/ahead Ace Bailey, thought-about one among faculty basketball’s high 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 recreation throughout 30 outings (all begins) for the Scarlet Knights, posting a capturing line of .460/.346/.692. He was named to the Large Ten’s All-Freshman Group, in addition to the All-Large Ten Third Group.
The No. 3 decide on ESPN’s huge board, proper behind Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper, Bailey had a “polarizing” season, Jeremy Woo famous in ESPN’s most up-to-date mock draft. However the 6-foot-10 swingman’s uncommon talent set ensured that he stays close to the highest of most NBA evaluators’ boards.
“I did good,” Bailey informed ESPN. “I might have completed approach higher, however I matured this season. The sport slowed down for me. My IQ bought increased. I bought quicker and approach stronger. My ball-handling and capturing tightened up. Rutgers had me guarding everybody from level guards to energy forwards. I discovered quite a bit.”
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony writes that Bailey has “distinctive” shot-making skill 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 stated. “I’m nonetheless younger, nonetheless studying, however I’m working daily. My play-making is bettering. NBA groups will get an brisk participant prepared to speak, lead and put folks in the best positions. I can take a superb group to a greater stage.”
