CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — It’s safe to say the Utah Jazz does not have a large fan base in Chattanooga.
But that all changed on Wednesday night, when Ace Bailey, who was born and raised in the Scenic City, was a first-round pick in the NBA draft.
On Thursday, we found a lot of people who knew Bailey back when he was a student who are bursting with pride for him.
The Utah Jazz got to pick fifth at the NBA Draft Wednesday night, and the team picked Bailey.
Bailey attended Barger Academy of Fine Arts and played for the Boyd Buchanan School in Chattanooga for his freshman year of high school and later transferred to Powder Springs in Georgia.
Without exception, those we spoke with who helped shape Bailey’s career tell us he’s always had what it takes to succeed at a high level.
Felicion Shymayne was one of Bailey’s teachers at Barger Academy.
Shymayne was overjoyed at her former student’s success, writing in a Facebook post…
It’s Ace Day in Chatt!!! I tell you it never gets old watching my students thrive! Chattanooga is small but it’s full of so much potential and in my 22 years of teaching I have watched so many walk in their purpose. I am so proud of all of you!Ace came back to Barger a couple times making sure we all saw his face and that he got to sit in front of the inspire sign once again. Ace, you inspire me with your humble spirit! You are amazing and deserve everything that is coming your way!!! Congratulations Ace!!!! We love you!!! Barger Strong! Chatt Strong! Let’s go Ace!
Felicion McMillon, another one of Ace’s former teachers, tells us…
“There was just something about seeing Ace playing ball during recess time, I could just see greatness in him.”
McMillon says Ace showed a love for basketball from the start.
“I believed him. I believed him when he was a young age, because I saw him. I saw his drive. I saw his determination.”
McMillon and Tammy Martin another teacher at Barger, say Bailey has always been humble and comes back often to say hi.
“When he’s in the hallway, it is the look of the children’s eyes and faces when they’re looking up saying wow, or they’re pointing.”
A few years later at Dalewood Middle School, Ladarius Price was one of his mentors.
“The sky was really the limit for him from the very beginning.”
Price says Bailey’s success is an inspiration for all young kids in Chattanooga who have big dreams.
“When you’re able to reach out and touch someone and see someone that comes from the same exact places that you’re growing up in right now. It gives you a point of reference.”
But Price says it took more than a dream for Bailey to hear his name called in the draft.
“His desire, watching his hunger for the game, but also him being a really, really great student of the game.”
Cristoffer Collins is a player development coach and says Bailey was born to play basketball at a high level.
“His mom played ball. We’re both with the Brainerd High School together. Dad played ball. And he also has a great aunt, Venus Lacey, who also played basketball as well. You know, she’s an Olympian.”
Collins says Bailey grew up playing on rec center courts like Glenwood.
“You knew the kid was gonna be special.”
Now, he’ll play in front of tens of thousands of fans.
“Chattanooga does have some awesome talent, to be able to say this is a hometown child that is definitely just shining for our city.”
According to Austin Ainge, owner of the Utah Jazz, the franchise is excited to have Bailey on the team and are expecting a bright future.