"Rutgers University Freshman Ace Bailey Set to Join NBA"
Rutgers newcomer Ace Bailey revealed on Wednesday that he has announced his decision to enter the 2025 NBA Draft.
He shared the news on Instagram with a photo simply captioned "Declared."
"I am grateful to everyone at Rutgers," Bailey stated to ESPN on Wednesday. "... They all motivated me to improve every day and become the best version of myself. I am appreciative of everything they have done for me. I felt a lot of love from everyone.
Bailey is predicted to be selected as the third pick in the June draft. Ahead of him on most mock drafts are fellow freshmen Cooper Flagg from Duke and Bailey's Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper.
The 6-foot-10 forward from Chattanooga, Tenn. averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds throughout the season. He was chosen for the third team All-Big Ten and the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
He will turn 19 in August and acknowledges that he still has room for growth.
"I am far from reaching my full potential," Bailey expressed to ESPN. "I am still young and learning, but I am constantly working. My ability to make plays is improving. NBA teams will receive an enthusiastic player who is ready to communicate, lead, and put others in the right positions. I can elevate a good team to an even higher level."
