Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey was honored on Friday by having his jersey retired at McEachern High School during halftime of the Indians’ football game in Powder Springs, Georgia.
Bailey led the school to a 26-6 record and the Class A title as a senior, averaging 33.4 points, 15.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.9 blocks. He was the Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year and a first-team all-state selection by the GHSA Boys Basketball Committee.
The 19-year-old established himself as a consensus five-star recruit and became the highest-ranked prospect to commit to Rutgers University (No. 2 overall). He was a McDonald’s All-American and participated in the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit.
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 fifth pick debuted with the Jazz in the Salt Lake City Summer League, averaging 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists on 40% shooting from 3-point range. He was limited to two appearances because of a hip injury and didn’t suit up for the team in Las Vegas.
Bailey enters next season with the fourth-highest odds of winning Rookie of the Year. He will have tremendous expectations as a top-five pick and looks eager to get to work.