Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, as confirmed by his Instagram post.
The 6-foot-9 forward is currently projected as the No. 3 overall pick, according to ESPN’s draft rankings.
Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while logging 33.4 minutes per game during his lone college season.
His announcement comes ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, scheduled for May 12, which will determine the order of the top four picks.
Utah, Washington, and Charlotte each hold 14% odds to secure the top selection.
New Orleans follows with a 12.5% chance, while a pick held jointly between Philadelphia and Oklahoma City has 10.5% odds, depending on lottery results and protections.
Bailey played a key role in Rutgers’ offense, showcasing his ability to score in transition and rebound effectively against Big Ten competition.
Scouts have noted his athleticism and versatility as traits that translate well to the modern NBA game.
With the draft scheduled for June 25–26 in New York, teams with top lottery odds are already evaluating potential franchise-changing prospects.
Utah (17–65) and Washington (18–64) finished at the bottom of the Western and Eastern Conference standings respectively, giving them strong positioning for a top-three pick.
Charlotte, which ended its season at 19–63, also remains in contention for a high selection.
Bailey is part of a draft class that includes several one-and-done players, though few have matched his combination of production and physical upside.
His decision to turn pro ends his college career after just one season, a trend increasingly common among elite recruits.
The forward is expected to participate in pre-draft interviews and team workouts in the lead-up to June.
Teams like the Jazz, Wizards, and Hornets are widely expected to focus on forwards and wings in this draft cycle.
Should Bailey be selected in the top three as projected, he would become Rutgers’ highest NBA draft pick in program history.
The Scarlet Knights have not produced a first-round pick since Roy Hinson went No. 20 overall in 1983.
