Going into the NBA Draft, ex- Rutgers star Ace Bailey’s camp made it clear that he had preferred destinations. Those reportedly included the New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards.

The Utah Jazz turned in the first surprise of the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting Ace Bailey with the fifth-overall pick. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward was widely regarded as the No. 3 prospect heading into the draft.

The Utah Jazz selected Rutgers guard Ace Bailey with the fifth pick in the NBA draft. Afterward he spoke with ESPN's Monica McNutt for a quick interview. First, McNutt asked Bailey how he could be so "cool and confident in this moment" given all the outside noise about his pre-draft process.