Ace Bailey is expected to report to the Utah Jazz on Saturday after the organization selected him with the fifth pick in the 2025 NBA draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
Bailey and his representation orchestrated a precarious predraft process after canceling a workout with the Philadelphia 76ers and turning down other invitations, including one from the Jazz. He was the only U.S.-based prospect who didn’t work out with any team.
The 18-year-old hasn’t met with team officials since joining the organization on Wednesday. However, the plan for Bailey, along with the Jazz’s two other draft picks, was to arrive on Saturday in preparation for an introductory press conference on Sunday.
“We’ve had good communication with Ace Bailey and his representatives,” a Jazz representative told ESPN. “We feel good about everything. Ace and his family are coming to Utah tomorrow. We’ll have a press conference Sunday and a practice Monday. This has always been the plan, including for our other rookies, Walter Clayton and John Tonje — to let them go home and collect their belongings, and then fly right to summer league from Salt Lake City.”
Bailey was a third-team All-Big Ten selection last season at Rutgers, averaging 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and one steal on 34.6% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked ninth among all freshmen in points (527) and 10th in rebounds (215).
The 6-foot-8 standout was consistently projected to be the third pick throughout the predraft process before dropping to the Jazz. He was said to be interested in going to Washington or New Orleans, but he confirmed that he had no idea that the Jazz were interested in selecting him.
Bailey said after the draft that he was blessed to be selected with the fifth pick and was eager to get to work with the Jazz. He believes he fits well within the existing roster.
“I feel like once I come in, it is going to be a lot of work,” Bailey said. “I feel like I’m a person who likes to work out a lot. I’m going to push my teammates to be the best that they can be. I want to come in and be a leader as a young cat.”
Bailey was a highly-touted prospect entering the draft because of his size, scoring and instincts on both ends of the court. He has an incredible feel for the game and can score from each level, having registered three 30-point performances with the Scarlet Knights.
The former five-star prospect measured a bit smaller than expected at the combine last month after Rutgers listed him at 6 feet, 10 inches. However, Bailey still boasts a 7-foot wingspan and registered a 2.78-second time in the shuttle run, the fifth-fastest mark among all participants.
Bailey won’t have to wait long to get started with the Jazz. The team will play three games in the Salt Lake City Summer League, starting on July 5, before embarking on a five-game stint in the NBA Summer League July 10-20 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“I’m glad (the predraft process) is over,” Bailey said. “I’m ready to play basketball. It has just been a great journey: Working hard (and) pushing myself physically and mentally. Just getting prepared for the next level.”
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Jazz news: Ace Bailey plans to report to Jazz for first time Saturday
