Polarizing Rutgers prospect Ace Bailey selected fifth by Jazz in 2025 NBA Draft

The 2025 NBA Draft’s top two picks were essentially locked in for months — but just after that is where things were expected to shake up.

Ace Bailey was widely considered the No. 3 prospect, but after a peculiar lead-up to the draft he quickly became the biggest wild card until he wound up being selected by the Jazz with the No. 5 pick.

The 18-year-old wing had a workout scheduled with the 76ers — picking third — before suddenly cancelling it, as many believed he had a promise from a team lower in the draft order. 

Philadelphia instead selected Baylor freshman VJ Edgecombe.

He was reportedly the only U.S.-based prospect to not meet with a single team, as he declined invites from multiple teams in his draft range. 

Bailey’s camp sought “a clear pathway to stardom,” DraftExpress previously reported, and the Nets, Wizards and Pelicans were reportedly his preferred destinations.

However, it was rumored and reported just hours before the draft that he completed a private workout at some point with the Wizards, who many believed to be his top choice.

Reports swirled aa many questioned Bailey’s character.

“I ain’t focused on that. I’m focused on the basketball part, just hooping everyday – getting better as a person and better at my game on the court,” he said Tuesday at the draft’s media availability. 

And despite what many may think amid this drama, Bailey filled in the world on what the Jazz will be getting in him as a player and person.

“A very energetic guy – as soon as I step on the court I’m bringing in the energy,” Bailey said before the draft. “I’m a great leader, a great coachable player, a humble person … I’m a big community guy, I love giving back to my community.”

Upon joining the Jazz, Bailey will team up with star big man Lauri Markkanen.

Bailey was a one-and-done at Rutgers, where he and Spurs’ No. 2 pick Dylan Harper each had excellent individual seasons but could not guide the Scarlet Knights to the NCAA Tournament.

Rutgers finished15-17 overall and 8-12 in Big Ten play.

The best friends were the first Scarlet Knights to be drafted since Quincy Douby in 2006 and became the first pair of Rutgers teammates to be selected in the same draft since 1985.

Bailey averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in his lone collegiate season, adding 1.3 blocks and one steal per contest.