Trevor Ruszkowski
Ever since Duke ahead Cooper Flagg reclassified from the Class of 2024 to the Class of 2025, he’s been projected because the number-one general choose within the 2025 NBA Draft. And, he’s been stellar this season, probably not doing something to knock him off that perch on the high.
However, five-star Rutgers freshman ahead Ace Bailey is gaining steam. He’s been on an absolute tear, and a few NBA groups have to begin interested by whether or not they’d quite have him than Cooper Flagg.
Flagg has been terrific. The Maine native is averaging 19.9 factors, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per recreation this yr whereas capturing 48.7% from the ground. He seems like a future NBA star, as he’s an excellent defender as effectively. However, there are questions on his uncooked scoring skill. He’s not an amazing shooter but, although he has the flexibility to enhance at it. However, he’s by no means actually proven that he needs to be a half-court alpha scorer, the sort that actually influence video games within the playoffs. Once more, he’s going to be nice, but when there’s a knock in opposition to him, it’s that.
In the meantime, Ace Bailey has proven the flexibility to be an alpha scorer. He’s been unbelievable as of late. He’s had no less than 17 factors in six straight video games, together with three video games of over 30 factors. He’s achieved it on actually environment friendly capturing, too.
On Wednesday, Bailey had 37 factors on 13-17 capturing in opposition to Northwestern in an necessary Rutgers win.
ACE BAILEY HAVE YOURSELF A NIGHT SIR
▪️ 37 PTS▪️ 13-20 FG▪️ 5-8 3PT▪️ 6 REB ▪️ 3 BLK pic.twitter.com/DfrxL36ARw
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) January 30, 2025
Bailey undoubtedly initiatives as an alpha scorer greater than Flagg does. He’s capturing a powerful 39% from 3 and may rating in any respect three ranges. He may not deliver as many intangibles as Flagg is, and will not be as fairly of an explosive athlete. However, he’s received potential to guide the NBA in scoring in the future.
Finally, Bailey has performed himself into the dialog for the first-overall choose. It’s going to be enjoyable to observe these two duel down the stretch.
