Ace Bailey, a Rutgers commitment, moves into 2024's top five
Rutgers commitment Ace Bailey jumped to No. 4 in Monday’s 2024 On3 150 update. The move was only up three spots for the 6-foot-9 forward, but it was significant because he was the guy that was able to break up the tier-one foursome that included Tre Johnson, Dylan Harper, Flory Bidunga, and North Carolina commitment Ian Jackson.
The flashes simply became too frequent to ignore. Bailey, who moved to Powder Springs, Georgia, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, has always had high-powered tools. But the jaw-dropping plays are happening more consistently. At 6-foot-9, the skill set is starting to round out with development comfort on the perimeter.
Bailey’s physical tools
Ace Bailey stands a legit 6-foot-9, and he has long arms with broad shoulders. Already carrying a strong frame, he should have no problem adding good weight without losing explosion or flexibility as he continues to progress in his career.
Currently a combo forward, Bailey has more than adequate positional size and length if his long-term play is at either forward position. Watching his progression over the past 12 months, you can see his perimeter skills developing. Bailey has always had touch on his jump shot, but the balance and the footwork getting into his shot are getting cleaner. He is still organizing the shot mechanics off the bounce, but the shot off the catch is a weapon.
Bailey is still working on his attacking dribble. He can get caught up taking a hard bounce at a bad angle or with his feet in an improper position and not getting past his man. This is something that will come as he continues to get reps. Also, his counter dribbles are still developing. At current time he is able to rise up over most defenders, and his length and athleticism allow him to reach over his defender.
Bailey can attack the basket in the half-court, in straight lines, and finish above the rim in traffic. He is developing a mid-post game, comfortable creating space and knocking down shots at multiple angles.
Defensive upside
Ace Bailey is an explosive athlete. He combines fluidity with vertical pop and lateral mobility. With his height and this magnitude of athleticism, it makes him unique physically. This also gives him an eye-opening upside on the defensive end.
During last week’s USA Basketball minicamp, Bailey showed he could slide his feet and turn his hips with wings on the perimeter. And he certainly has enough pop as a shot blocker to get above the rim both in help side and when guarding the ball with forwards or fours.
When Bailey is locked in, the defensive versatility is apparent.
Ace Bailey
There is a clear upside here. When you see Ace Bailey play, you see the positional size, the appropriate length, and unique athleticism. The ball skills are developing along with the body control. While still showing some inconsistencies, there is clear and continued development over the past 12 months.
Bailey has the tools and top-end upside to dominate the competition every time he steps on the court. The flashes continue to impress.