Airious Ace Bailey is an Atlanta based mostly wing ahead who oozes upside. He stood out in numerous the submit season showcase occasions, together with the Nike Hoop Summit, the place I had the possibility to meet up with him for a dialog. He’s clearly a younger man who’s passionate in regards to the recreation of basketball. His ability set, with 6-9 measurement and lengthy arms, and the flexibility to create offense for himself and hit outdoors pictures, is uncommon for a freshman in faculty. He’s at Rutgers for the upcoming season, taking part in alongside Dylan Harper. Ace Bailey is presently projected to go second within the 2025 NBA Draft.
NBADraft.internet: All proper, so that you guys got here in a few days in the past, what are your impressions of Portland and the Hoop Summit occasion, thus far?
Ace Bailey: It’s a blessing to be on this place. It’s a blessing to be right here. I imply, thank God, to start with. it’s the arduous work that’s paying off. it’s good to be right here.
NBADraft.internet: And what do you hope to get out of this occasion?
Ace Bailey: I imply, simply rising as an individual outdoors of basketball, studying issues outdoors of basketball, simply persevering with my progress.
NBADraft.internet: For any person that’s by no means seen you play earlier than, how do you describe your recreation?
Ace Bailey: Distinctive.
NBADraft.internet: How do you do all of it? And what have you ever improved upon within the final like six months by means of the season?
Ace Bailey: I imply, one current focus, actually coming off screens and studying. Taking part in off the ball. Working, and organising defenders off screens with timing.
NBADraft.internet: And what do you wish to enhance on?
Ace Bailey: Simply communication whereas I’m on protection. That’s actually it.
NBADraft.internet: Who of your teammates do you’ve the closest rapport with?
Ace Bailey: I imply Dylan (Harper).
NBADraft.internet: And what do you anticipate heading there collectively at Rutgers?
Ace Bailey: We obtained huge expectations for Rutgers, man. We obtained huge expectations, man. I can’t clarify it.
NBADraft.internet: Put them on the map, huh?
Ace Bailey: Sure, sir. As a result of it’s going to work.
NBADraft.internet: And what about teachers there?
Ace Bailey: Identical factor. Simply do what I must do, get carried out with my lessons, be on time for lessons, deal with folks like how I wish to be handled.
NBADraft.internet: If it wasn’t for basketball, what would you be doing in 10 to fifteen years?
Ace Bailey: I’d most likely be a mechanical engineer, for certain. Both that or a fisherman.
NBADraft.internet: All proper.I prefer it. So that you do fairly a little bit of fishing?
Ace Bailey: Yeah, I fish loads. I grew up fishing.
NBADraft.internet: What else do you want doing off the courtroom?
Ace Bailey: That’s downtime, simply chill.
NBADraft.internet: How essential is it to win?
Ace Bailey: It’s essential, man. To have USA on my jersey, simply to play for my mates. That’s a blessing. To begin with, I simply thank God for that. At the least the arduous work simply to proceed to maintain taking part in.
NBADraft.internet: Does that set this occasion aside from the opposite comparable occasions?
Ace Bailey: I imply, yeah. Having the rivalry with worldwide U.S.
NBADraft.internet: Last item, some gamers you examine your recreation to?
Ace Bailey: Paul George, Kevin Durant, T-Mac, Jayson Tatum, for certain.
NBADraft.internet: Respect it, man. Better of luck to you.
Ace Bailey: Respect it. Thanks.