Rutgers guard/forward Ace Bailey, considered one of college basketball’s top prospects, has declared for the 2025 NBA draft, he tells Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
A freshman in 2024/25, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steal in 33.3 minutes per game across 30 outings (all starts) for the Scarlet Knights, posting a shooting line of .460/.346/.692. He was named to the Big Ten’s All-Freshman team, as well as the All-Big Ten third team.
The No. 3 pick on ESPN’s big board, right behind Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper, Bailey had a “polarizing” season, Jeremy Woo noted in ESPN’s most recent mock draft, but the 6’10” swingman’s rare skill set ensured that he remains near the top of most NBA evaluators’ boards.
“I did good,” Bailey told ESPN. “I could have done way better, but I matured this season. The game slowed down for me. My IQ got higher. I got faster and way stronger. My ball-handling and shooting tightened up. Rutgers had me guarding everyone from point guards to power forwards. I learned a lot.”
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony writes that Bailey has “exceptional” shot-making ability and has displayed impressive defensive intensity. He’s also one of the youngest prospects in the 2025 draft class — he’ll turn 19 in August.
“I’m nowhere close to reaching my potential,” Bailey said. “I’m still young, still learning, but I’m working every day. My play-making is improving. NBA teams will get an energetic player ready to talk, lead and put people in the right positions. I can take a good team to a better level.”
Skill level and size is everything in the NBA. When you have real talent and size. The upside is huge. He is so young. He is not as ready as Cooper is. Yet a lot of scouts saw him as the one who could challenge Cooper for top pick. Didn’t really pan out. He is saying all the right things. That’s a good sign. I know when you level up in talent. Some players take more time adjusting. A lot of that is age and size. You have to allow this kids to grow up first. Bailey could be one of best picks in this draft. He plays like a 3. Eventually will have a 4 body. I would play him a year in G-league. Not sitting on bench.