Rutgers star Ace Bailey shared multiple posts on his Instagram page Thursday with photos of himself with the word “Declared” in big bold letters, and according to an ESPN report, that’s exactly what the freshman guard did, declaring himself for the 2025 NBA Draft.
Bailey, who was named to the Big Ten all-Freshman Team and third-team all-Big Ten, is projected to go as high as third overall in the upcoming draft behind Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper, both of whom had already declared their draft intent.
Bailey averaged 17.6 points per game, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks for a Scarlett Knights squad that finished 15-17 last season, despite having two of the projected highest picks in the upcoming draft on one team.
The 6-foot-10 Bailey, who does not turn 19 until August and is one of the youngest prospects in this draft, has displayed exceptional shotmaking for a big forward.
He made 47 3-pointers in 30 games for Rutgers and topped 30 points in a game three times during Big Ten play.
Scouts also have highlighted Bailey’s aggressive approach and high-intensity defense as plus skills to go with his scoring.
The NBA draft combine takes place May 11-18 in Chicago, while the draft will be June 25-26 at Barclays Center.
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