‘Are You Nuts?’ — John Calipari Drops Reality Bomb on Prospects Like Ace Bailey Going the Unconventional Route
Ace Bailey turns his head earlier than he even hears his identify referred to as. The previous Rutgers ahead, ranked No. 3 on ESPN’s massive board, has taken an uncommon method to the 2025 NBA Draft course of.
Bailey lately canceled a scheduled go to with the Philadelphia 76ers, who maintain the third total decide. Bailey has additionally declined conferences with a number of groups in his projected draft vary and stays the one U.S.-based lottery prospect but to go to any franchise. Bailey’s camp believes he’s a top-three expertise and desires a crew that gives each minutes and offensive freedom.
John Calipari Displays on Ace Bailey’s Draft Gamble and Gamers Steering Their Personal Paths
Arkansas head coach John Calipari, who has coached quite a few lottery picks over time, lately spoke about any such scenario on The Pat McAfee Present.
In a dialog that touched on Ace Bailey’s unconventional method, Calipari supplied an trustworthy view of how chaotic the pre-draft course of will be.
“To start with, I can let you know sitting at that desk is the worst factor on the planet since you don’t know,” Calipari mentioned. “Everyone’s mendacity, so that you don’t know the place the child is getting drafted.”
He then defined how a few of his gamers previously tried to keep away from particular groups.
“I’ve had a number of gamers say, ‘I’m not being drafted by that crew. I’ve already instructed them.’ And I’m like, ‘Are you nuts? That’s three picks down. Why would you?’ ‘As a result of I’m not going there.’ And you realize what? They had been proper. And I used to be incorrect.”
Maintain Studying: Extra Bother for Ace Bailey as ‘On-Courtroom Flaws’ Add to Unprofessionalism Studies Forward of NBA Draft
Calipari talked about Karl-Anthony Cities as a primary instance. In 2015, the Lakers had been serious about taking Cities at No. 2. Calipari inspired him to contemplate the Los Angeles market, however Cities had different plans.
“He mentioned, ‘No, I’ll put on a coat. I wish to be the primary decide.’ And he loved his time there.”
NEWS: Rutgers star Ace Bailey has canceled his exercise with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources instructed ESPN.
Bailey stays the one US-based prospect but to go to any NBA groups.
The Sixers haven’t dominated out deciding on Bailey, sources say.
STORY: https://t.co/xiPP7zMOLb pic.twitter.com/ikFH2f9bkG
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 19, 2025
Equally to KAT, Bailey can also be carving his personal path, simply differently. As a substitute of going after the very best draft spot, he and his camp are centered on discovering the appropriate match. By skipping exercises and passing on visits, they’re betting {that a} crew prepared to provide him the position and minutes he needs will make a transfer to get him.
Although ESPN’s newest mock now tasks him to Washington at No. 6, his camp stays centered on discovering the appropriate match. On Wednesday night time in Brooklyn, we are going to discover out if his gamble pays off.
