With the 2025 NBA Draft just a week away, the buzz around projected top-6 pick Ace Bailey is growing louder. But beyond the scouting reports and the highlight reels, there’s a much bigger question that front offices and fans alike are trying to answer: Who is Ace Bailey?
Let’s start here — when Bailey arrived at Rutgers, he didn’t act like a future lottery pick. He didn’t come in with superstar demands or flashy distractions. He had options, too. If he wanted the best off-campus apartment money could rent, it was his. If he wanted to flex a car on campus, no one would’ve blinked. But instead of leaning into the hype, Bailey leaned into the culture.
He chose the dorms with his Rutgers teammates.
He chose a scooter and used it to zip across campus.
“He’s just built different,” one person familiar with Bailey’s approach told me. “Ace don’t need the glitz. He’s about the work.”
That mentality has translated on the court, where Bailey’s versatility, length, and competitive edge turned heads and built his case as one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft. But off the court, the narrative isn’t just about basketball — it’s about maturity, humility, and staying grounded in a process that often lifts young men too fast and too soon.
No Hype, Just Hoops: His Recruitment Journey
Bailey’s decision-making has always reflected who he is: steady, focused, and unbothered by outside noise. During his recruitment, he visited multiple schools — but unlike many of his peers, he didn’t turn it into a social media spectacle. There were no elaborate commitment teasers, no cryptic tweets, and no drama.
Instead, Bailey quietly committed to Rutgers — almost a full year earlier than most of his high-profile peers.
“He knew what he wanted early,” a source familiar with the process shared. “It wasn’t about who had the biggest brand or the flashiest NIL offer. He wanted a place that felt like family and gave him room to grow. That’s what Rutgers gave him.”
That same no-nonsense mindset has only helped his stock as he transitions into the pros.
Praise from a Legend: Ron Harper on Ace Bailey
It wasn’t just fans or NBA scouts taking notice of Bailey’s game — former NBA champion Ron Harper, father of Bailey’s Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper, had high praise for him as well.
“Ace Bailey is probably the best college one-on-one scorer that you can have,” Harper said. “He can create his own shot, he can create space, he can go inside, he can score outside, he can shoot a three, he can shoot the midrange. There’s not one part of his offensive game that he doesn’t have.”
That level of scoring versatility — coupled with his length and athleticism — is exactly why so many teams picking in the top six are circling Bailey’s name on their boards.
He’s Open to the Moment and the Market
While some prospects enter the draft with preferred destinations or market demands, that’s not Ace Bailey. I’m told he’s open-minded and prepared to contribute anywhere — whether that’s in a big-market franchise or a team still building its identity.
“He’s not ducking anywhere,” said a source with knowledge of Bailey’s mindset. “Ace wants to hoop. Period. He respects every team in this league and sees every opportunity as a platform to grow and compete. He’s welcome to go wherever he’s called.”
That kind of attitude has caught the attention of multiple teams across the top 10 who value not just skill, but coachability and culture fit.
Jazz Comparisons and Utah’s Interest
The Utah Jazz hold a top pick and have shown interest in Bailey. While some may speculate whether a quieter market like Salt Lake City would appeal to a player of his caliber, don’t buy into the noise.
One source familiar with Bailey’s thinking told me he would welcome the opportunity to play in Utah and even compared his mindset to Naz Reid’s successful rise with the Minnesota Timberwolves. In other words, Bailey isn’t chasing lights — he’s chasing legacy.
“People underestimate how comfortable Ace is just being himself,” the source added. “He doesn’t need the big city to shine.”
Rumors, Representation and Reality
There’s been some chatter in NBA circles about Bailey’s agent, Omar Cooper, with claims that he’s a negative influence. But that notion is strongly rejected by those close to Bailey’s camp.
“This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan relationship,” said one source with knowledge of the situation. “It’s built on loyalty and trust. Omar’s been there from the beginning.”
In fact, Cooper has been a key figure in Bailey’s life since high school. “He’s been influential since high school. It’s been the same three influential people in his life — Omar, Cedric Dozier, and Ace’s mother,” the source continued. “There’s consistency in his corner, and that’s why Ace stays grounded.”
In a draft class filled with potential, some agents have made headlines for the wrong reasons. But in Bailey’s case, the people guiding him are seen as focused, loyal, and intentional about finding the right situation — not just a shiny one.
A Delayed Philly Visit?
Then there’s the Philadelphia 76ers; who were scheduled to meet with Bailey today. The meeting was cancelled, but I’m told that could change. In fact, a meeting might still take place in the Philadelphia area ahead of the draft.
Whether Philly is doing its due diligence or genuinely believes Bailey could fall to them at 3 remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the interest is real, and that Bailey’s draft night plans are still fluid.
Final Word
So again — who is Ace Bailey?
He’s a future NBA lottery pick with the discipline to live in the dorms. He’s a projected pro who left his car at home and rode a scooter to class.
He committed early, stayed quiet, and let his game speak. Bailey seems open-minded about wherever his journey takes him and hee’s drawn praise from veterans of the game for his complete scoring package. Bailey also seems like the type to value relationships, loyalty and legacy over flash.
Maybe more than anything else; he’s ready.
In a league where talent is everywhere but maturity is rare, Ace Bailey may just be the grown-up in the room that teams have been hoping for. And come draft night, whichever team calls his name won’t just be getting a hooper; they’ll be getting a man who’s been about his business long before the lights came on.
