Ace Bailey, a forward from Rutgers University, has emerged as one of the most intriguing talents in the 2025 NBA draft class. Bailey is an imposing figure, checking in at 6-foot-9 in shoes. The combinations he can make thanks to his remarkable shot-making ability has gotten everyone’s tongues wagging all season with lineup speculation. That’s quite the tumble for a guy projected as a top-three pick for almost the entire season. So, everyone was shocked when the Utah Jazz selected him sixth overall.
Bailey’s path to the draft has been far from typical. He was the only American player who had not gone through a single combine workout for an NBA franchise before draft night. This continued to leave scouts and analysts curious at the very least, by his level of enigma. His rank as the third-highest prospect on ESPN’s Top 100 list only served to highlight his immense talent and sparkling potential.
Bailey, originally from Chattanooga, TN, grew up all over, but mostly in the Atlanta area. Now, his own unusual journey to the NBA has provided him an innovative perspective. Previously he had hinted that he would prefer teams that were not in the top five. This caused many to speculate that he would fall in the draft projections. He had “no clue” that the Jazz were a team he could be taken by, therefore making this pick that much more surprising.
“And that’s certainly part of the point,” said Austin Ainge, president of basketball operations for the Utah Jazz, who said he would bet on Bailey.
“We really like him as a player, and a fit in our program.” – Austin Ainge
Bailey’s skill set includes tantalizing shot-making abilities, but he has significant room for improvement as a ball-handler and passer. As Bailey prepares to make the jump to the pro ranks, he understands the obstacles he’ll face. He remains positive about his chances of making it work in Utah.
I’m ready to play some basketball now, let’s go, he said, in an understated comment that belied his excitement to start this new chapter in his career.
Bailey took time to recognize the work it took to get him here.
It’s just been a great journey. Me really, really hustling, you know what I mean, challenging myself physically and mentally, just really getting ready for the next level,” he said.
He continued that coming on to AGU’s staff he expects to experience a steep learning curve.
“I feel like once I come in, it’s going to be a lot of work,” Bailey noted.
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