Ace Bailey isn’t just a name trending in basketball circles, it’s a signal that something special is coming. With every fast break and dunk, the young forward turns heads and fuels the hype machine.
With a towering presence, fluid skillset and the kind of confidence you can’t teach, he’s writing his own script—one highlight at a time. The buzz around him has been louder than some seasoned pros, and now, it’s officially NBA-level.
In 2025, he was drafted by the Utah Jazz, marking the start of what many expect to be a standout career. From high school gyms to college courts to the league, his journey is gaining speed and he’s poised to lead the next generation.
How old is Ace Bailey?
Airious “Ace” Bailey was born on August 13, 2006, making him 18 years old as of June 2025. Turning 19 in August, he entered Rutgers as one of the youngest in his class and quickly made an impact as a freshman standout.
Ace Bailey #21 and Cooper Flagg #51 look on during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena on May 13, 2025. (Source: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
How tall is Ace Bailey?
Listed at 6’10” and around 210 pounds, Ace Bailey brings size and length rare for a wing. However, at the NBA Combine he measured closer to 6’7.5″, raising some eyebrows among scouts tracking his physical profile.
What team did Ace Bailey play for in college?
Ace Bailey made headlines when he committed to Rutgers University, choosing a program not typically known for landing five-star talent. It was a bold move, one that immediately elevated expectations for the Scarlet Knights and turned the spotlight toward Piscataway.
On the court, he quickly emerged as the team’s focal point, blending length, athleticism, and a polished offensive game. He started nearly every game of his freshman year and led the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per outing.
His performances earned him a place on both the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and the All-Big Ten Third Team—an impressive feat in one of college basketball’s most competitive conferences.
Ace Bailey #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights high fives fans as he leaves the court after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena on January 29, 2025. (Source: Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
But beyond the numbers, he brought a sense of momentum to the program. Rutgers, often seen as an underdog in the Big Ten hierarchy, suddenly had a player with NBA potential leading its roster.
Ace Bailey’s career highlights
2024 McDonald’s All-American: Bailey joined the elite ranks of high school stars to be invited to this prestigious event, a classic proving ground for future NBA talent.
Nike Hoop Summit & Jordan Brand Classic selection: He didn’t just show up—he performed. His play in these elite showcases put him firmly on NBA scouts’ radars, displaying his three-level scoring and mobility against top global peers.
39-point game vs. Indiana (February 2025): This breakout performance wasn’t just a scoring display—it came in a conference matchup where Bailey dominated every phase. He became just the second freshman in Rutgers history to score 39 or more.
Back-to-back 20+ point games at the 2025 Players Era Festival: During this post-season scouting showcase, Bailey dropped 22 and 24 points in consecutive outings, confirming his reputation as a reliable shot-creator under pressure.
Earned praise from NBA stars: Paul George singled him out as a “future All-Star” on his Podcast P show, while Kevin Durant called him “a natural scorer with killer instincts” in a post-game interview after watching Bailey in person.
