PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Ace Bailey, a highly regarded freshman guard, will not participate in the season opener for the No. 25 Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Wednesday due to an unspecified injury sustained during practice just two days prior.
The Big Ten institution announced that the 6-foot-10 player would be unavailable for the game against Wagner and that his status will be assessed on a daily basis. Further details regarding the nature of the injury have not been disclosed.
Bailey, along with fellow freshman Dylan Harper, was recognized as one of the premier talents of the recent high school class. Their commitments to the Scarlet Knights under coach Steve Pikiell have significantly elevated the program, enabling Rutgers to enter the AP Top 25 rankings after finishing with a record of 15-17 last season.
While at McEachern High School in Georgia, Bailey had an impressive performance, averaging 33.4 points, 15.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.9 blocks per game. He also showcased his skills by scoring 25 points in a recent preseason exhibition against St. John’s last month.
As Bailey continues to recover, the Scarlet Knights will look to maintain their momentum without one of their top recruits, awaiting his return to the court as they start their campaign.