RUTGERS FRESHMAN ACE BAILEY DECLARES FOR 2025 NBA DRAFT

Rutgers star freshman Ace Bailey, projected No. 3 pick, has declared for the 2025 NBA Draft and signed with Omar Cooper of Lifestyle Sports Agency, he told ESPN.

“I want to thank everyone at Rutgers — the community, teammates, coaches, staff, and even Rob and Julio from security — for helping me grow and feel the love,” Bailey said. “College basketball was special: the student section, the chants, the wins and losses. I’ll never forget it.”

Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks, earning Big Ten All-Freshman and third-team All-Big Ten honors. Alongside fellow freshman Dylan Harper (a projected No. 2 pick), Bailey led a thin Rutgers team to a 15–17 finish.

“I matured this season. My IQ grew, I got stronger, quicker, and improved my ballhandling and shooting,” said the 6-foot-10 forward. He hit 47 threes in 30 games and scored 30+ points three times in Big Ten play. Despite his youth—he turns 19 in August—Bailey is praised for his intensity, versatility, and scoring instincts.

“I’m not close to my potential. I’m working every day to be a better playmaker and leader. I believe I can elevate any team.”

Bailey is currently training in Atlanta ahead of the NBA Draft Combine (May 11–18 in Chicago). He models his game after Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The 2025 NBA Draft will take place June 25–26 in New York.