Ace Bailey Declares for 2025 NBA Draft After One Season at Rutgers

Ace Bailey’s time at Rutgers is officially over. The standout freshman announced Wednesday that he’s entering the 2025 NBA Draft — a move that’s been expected for months. Bailey is widely projected as a top-five pick and could go as high as No. 2 overall, right behind Duke phenom Cooper Flagg.

Bailey was part of Rutgers’ elite 2024 recruiting class, which ranked second nationally and also featured five-star guard Dylan Harper. Despite the hype, the Scarlet Knights fell short of expectations, finishing 15-17 and missing the NCAA tournament. Outside of Harper and Bailey, production was limited across the roster.

Harper led the team with 19.4 points per game, while Bailey averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds. The duo carried the load all season, ranking first and second on the team in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking.

Bailey’s decision to turn pro follows Harper’s own declaration last month. The two could be selected back-to-back in June’s draft, with only Flagg — the 2025 Wooden and Naismith Award winner — seen as a lock to go No. 1 overall after a dominant freshman year at Duke.

Bailey entered college as the No. 2 recruit in the nation and the top-ranked power forward, just behind Flagg. Harper was No. 3 overall and the highest-rated shooting guard in the class.

As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the May 12 NBA Draft Lottery. The Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, and Washington Wizards each hold a 14% chance of landing the No. 1 pick, followed by the Pelicans (12.5%) and the 76ers (10.5%). Philadelphia’s pick, however, is top-6 protected and could transfer to the Thunder depending on lottery results.

Bailey’s college career may have been brief, but it’s clear he’s just getting started.