The NBA Draft is right around the corner and Sportsvival is here to go over the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Today we scout:
SF- Ace Bailey
Rutgers
6’10” 210 lbs.
Ace Bailey was born on August 13, 2006 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His given name is Airious Bailey.
Bailey initially attended Boyd-Buchanan School in Tennessee. After his freshman year, he moved to Powder Springs, Georgia and enrolled at McEachern High School. During his junior season, Bailey averaged 22 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and four blocks per game.
As a senior, Bailey improved his numbers tremendously, averaging 32.5 points, 15.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.4 blocks per game. Bailey was selected to play in the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Game, Jordan Brand Classic, and Nike Hoop Summit during his senior season.
The 6’10” forward was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top prospects in the 2024 recruiting class. On January 15, 2023, he committed to playing college basketball for Rutgers over offers from Ohio State, Kentucky, Kansas, Texas, and Oregon.
During his lone season at Rutgers, Bailey played 30 games and averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per contest.
On April 23, 2025, Bailey announced that he was entering the NBA Draft.
What does the tape say?
Positives
Excels on scoring on the move
Soft touch, excellent stroke on shots
Explosive
Length
High motor–always hustling
Versatility in matchups
Weaknesses
Decision making (shots and passes can be questioned at times)
Ball handling could be a big weakness at NBA level
Tunnel vision on what he is doing..misses open opportunities for teammates
Sportsvival’s final thoughts:
Ace Bailey has the length and shooting ability to step into a starting role. That being said, he needs to work on his turnovers and his overall feel for the offense. He should go in the top five of the 2025 draft.
He reminds Sportsvival of Rudy Gay. Both players have length and athleticism, but struggle as playmakers.
(photo courtesy of Yahoo Sports)