Ace Bailey Prospect Write-up.

Ace Bailey 6'10 200lbs

Guard / Forward

Ace Bailey, with his towering 6'10" frame, silky-smooth movement, and sharpshooting touch, looks like the prototype of a modern NBA player spat out by a 3D printer programmed with every desirable offensive trait. Here are his stats,

18 PPG

6 RPG

48% FG%

38% 3PT

80% FT

All achieved on a Rutgers team that’s far from an elite college basketball powerhouse. What sets Bailey apart is his ability to convert what traditional coaches might label "low-percentage shots"—contested mid-rangers, step-back threes, off-balance leaners—into effortless buckets. His fluid body control and deceptive first step make him a nightmare to guard, hinting at a skill set that could translate seamlessly to the pros.

Rutgers, a scrappy Big Ten squad, might be the ideal stage for Bailey to showcase his potential NBA fit. Playing alongside another high-end freshman, Dylan Harper, he’s been given the green light to operate as a primary scorer, and he’s thrived in that role. Yet, his brilliance comes with a caveat: he can be an offensive dynamo but often stalls the ball, averaging just 1 assist per game. This tendency to dominate possession contrasts with the profile of Cooper Flagg, the Duke phenom who began the 2024-25 season as the presumed No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Now, Bailey is mounting a serious challenge to Flagg’s throne, and the race for the top spot may boil down to team fit. A franchise lacking an offensive centerpiece—think the Washington Wizards—might salivate at Bailey’s scoring prowess and feel confident building an attack around his strengths. Meanwhile, a team with an established star offensive star, might lean toward Flagg’s defensive versatility and unselfish play—his ability to keep the ball moving, cut with purpose, and lock down opponents.

https://youtube.com/shorts/bdfMTJWal_g?si=1fCXqI7MpcCnLzKC

Bailey’s case for No. 1 strengthens when you examine his performances against ranked competition. In a November 2024 clash with then-No. 24 Alabama at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, he poured in 23 points on 10-of-19 shooting, including 3-of-6 from deep, while snagging 6 rebounds. Though Rutgers lost a tight one, Bailey’s poise against a rugged SEC defense showcased his big-game chops. Later, in a December 2024 tilt against No. 15 Marquette, he erupted for 26 points, hitting 4-of-7 threes and displaying his full offensive arsenal—pull-ups, floaters, and rim attacks. These outings prove he’s not just feasting on weaker foes; he elevates against top-tier talent, even if his efficiency occasionally dips under pressure (e.g., a 1-for-5 three-point showing in a loss to No. 10 Illinois in January 2025). His ability to shine on big stages bolsters his argument in the Flagg debate.

A compelling NBA comparison for Bailey is Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns’ perennial All-Star and one of the game’s greatest scorers. Like Durant, who stands 6'11" with the ability to put the ball on the floor, Bailey blends exceptional height with a buttery-smooth jumper and the ability to score from anywhere—inside, mid-range, or beyond the arc. Both players wield a wiry frame that belies their toughness, using length and finesse to rise over defenders. Where Bailey diverges is in playmaking and defense: Durant’s career 4.0 assists per game and improved rim protection dwarf Bailey’s current output. If Bailey can bulk up his 190-pound frame and develop his off-ball awareness, he might approach Durant’s rarefied air as a two-way terror.

The Flagg-Bailey showdown for the No. 1 prospect crown is heating up as the college season nears its climax. Flagg, at 6'9", brings a different flavor: elite defense (2.4 blocks per game), relentless energy, and a team-first mentality (3.5 assists per game), making him a Swiss Army knife who fits any system. Bailey, by contrast, is the alpha scorer, a potential offensive hub whose 6'10" frame and shot-making could redefine a franchise. The Detroit Pistons, with Cade Cunningham as their engine, might favor Flagg’s complementary skills. But a team like the Portland Trail Blazers, desperate for a go-to guy post-Damian Lillard, could see Bailey as their future face. His ball-stopping tendencies—while a knock—also reflect his confidence as a creator, a trait teams often bet on at the top of the draft.

As March Madness looms, Bailey’s battle with Flagg will intensify. Rutgers needs to win the Big 10 tournament to qualify for the March Madness tournament. Every game against ranked Big Ten foes—Purdue, Michigan State, Ohio State—offers another chance to sway scouts. If he can boost his assist numbers, tighten his defense, and maintain his scoring flair, he might just leapfrog Flagg. For now, Bailey’s not just a 3D-printed dream—he’s a flesh and blood competitor.

Player comparison: Diet Kevin Durant.