The Rutgers managed one of the best freshman class for the 2024-25 season with the inclusion of Airious “Ace” Bailey alongside Dylan Harper. The guard isn’t only projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA draft but is also said to be the most in-search player in the country, seemingly thanks in part to his ability to play in all positions.

The freshman announced his arrival making a spectacular debut as he led No. 24 Rutgers to a commanding victory over Monmouth (98-81). Ace scored 17 points, six rebounds, and two steals within 30 minutes. He shot 5-for-10 from the field and even knocked down one of his three attempts from beyond the arc. Here’s everything you need to know about the 6’10 guard.

Ace Bailey’s Impact at Rutgers

Airious “Ace” Bailey, born on August 13, 2006, carries a deep basketball legacy in his blood. His mother, Ramika McGee, played basketball at West Virginia, while his father, Richard Bailey, made his mark playing at Houston. Bailey’s basketball roots run even deeper with his aunt, Venus Lacy was a member of Team USA’s gold medal-winning 1996 Olympic team and also played in the WNBA.

Bailey was considered a consensus 5-star recruit and ranked among the top 5 players nationally by ESPN and Rivals. The guard grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee; however, he moved to Powdersprings, Georgia, becoming Georgia’s top-ranked player and a standout small forward. He dominated during his senior year, averaging 33.4 points, 15.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.9 blocks per game, leading McEachern High School to an impressive 26-6 record and a Class A state championship.

Then in November 2023, the star guard would officially commit to Rutgers over Ohio State, Kentucky, Kansas, Texas, and Oregon. The milestone came right after his game at McEachern High School against Grayson during the Georgia Elite 8 Classic.

The player had been in the sights of coach Pikiell and associate head Brandin Knight since the beginning of his high school career. “We are excited to welcome Ace Bailey to The Knighthood,” head coach Steve Pikiell said. “Ace is unique. He can play all five positions at 6-foot-9. He has a chance to be an elite offensive and defensive player and he can really pass the basketball.” 

Ace Bailey has emerged as one of the most exciting players in college basketball, averaging 19.9 points ranked 17 in the nation with 7.7 rebounds and a field goal percentage of 48.5% in 12 games.

Bailey’s NIL value is quite remarkable, as the guard has signed deals with Nike and the Knights of Raritan, a collective that supports Rutgers University student-athletes. According to On3, Ace’s NIL valuation is worth $1.6 million, ranked No. 8 in college basketball NIL rankings and No. 38 in the NIL 100 rankings.

Initially, Bailey missed the first two games of the season while recovering from an injury. But his 16 field goals, weeks later, set a new record, marking the most ever by a Rutgers player in a Big Ten game and the most by any freshman in the program’s history. He became only the second freshman since 2005, after Andrew Wiggins, with 39+ points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks against Indiana, although falling a bit short at the end.

Bailey’s delivered near-perfect performance 11 games in

In recent years, Rutgers men’s basketball has had the upper hand over Indiana. winning 9 of the last 11 matchups. However, the Hoosiers turned the tables on 2nd January, 2025, securing an 84-74 victory over the Scarlet Knights despite Bailey’s excellent performance.

Rutgers played without freshman guard Dylan Harper, the nation’s fourth-leading scorer, who was reportedly not feeling well. With Harper out, the Scarlet Knights needed others to rise to the occasion— Bailey sure did.

The freshman guard played 38 minutes putting on one of the most impressive individual performances ever witnessed, finishing with a staggering 39 points, hitting 16 of 29 shots, and making some incredibly tough baskets despite constant pressure. Bailey had too much on his plate all night, yet he still managed to shoot an impressive 55%, sinking a series of near-impossible shots. Unfortunately, aside from his heroics, the rest of the Knights struggled, scoring just 35 points on 11-of-32 shooting.

Ace Bailey’s incredible performance continues to make him one of the most exciting players in college basketball, As Bailey continues to grow, his impact on the court will only increase, as he remains a key figure in Rutgers’ future success.