How NBA Draft prospect Ace Bailey became an ace in the court of basketball

Ace Bailey declared for the 2025 NBA Draft after making a name for himself with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. He was chosen as one of the five-star recruits and became one of the top players in the 2024 class, after a successful college campaign. But did you know that the name he goes by is not his real name? Ace Bailey was actually born Airious Bailey, but how did he get that nickname that has stuck with him, as he prepares for one of the biggest nights of his professional career? The NBA Draft Day is upon us, and like all the others, Ace Bailey is no doubt getting ready for a night that will be the beginning of his professional career in the league. But before we get to that, let's go back in time and find out how exactly he got his nickname - Ace. Born Airious Bailey to college basketball players Ramika McGee of West Virginia University and Richard Bailey from Houston, Ace has strong ties to the game. He has been on and off the basketball court ever since he was a child, which no doubt was a big influence on him. He also had the talent for it, and mix it up with hard work and dedication, and you've got the perfect combo.He recently revealed how he became Ace from Airious, and it's all thanks to his coach. Speaking to Swish Cultures, he said:"Ace was a childhood name given to me by my league coach, shoutout to my coach. Been having that name ever since I was a kid, I just stuck with it, we just went by, Ace Ace Ace. So a lot of people don't even know my real name is Airious, so I tell people my real name is Ace, anyways. So I'll be like it's Ace."He was an Ace since childhood, and the name stuck. Now, Ace Bailey is all set to join the NBA and prove that he really is an ace player, coming to show his mettle on the court with his performance. Also Read: "I can only control what I can control" — Former Scarlet Knights player Ace Bailey breaks silence on his pre-draft approach