Measuring 6-foot-10, 185 pounds, Airious “Ace” Bailey is rated the No. 2 small forward in the country and No. 2 overall basketball player in  Georgia for the 2024 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. The McEachern 5-star had his pick of college basketball powerhouses such as Kentucky, Kansas, Memphis, Auburn and many more. He was also considering his hometown team the Georgia Bulldogs.

But it is Rutgers University that is celebrating after landing its highest-rated men's basketball prospect ever. Bailey was in attendance for the Scarlett Knights' 68-64 overtime win vs. Ohio State last week, and surprised head coach Steve Pikiell with a commitment in the locker room following the game.

Before Bailey heads to New Jersey next year, he still has work to do at McEachern. The Indians are 14-6 on the season and are 4-0 in Region 3 7A, at the time of this interview. Head coach Tremayne Anchrum’s team has only 3 more region games left before playoffs begin in February.

Watch my interview where I spoke with "Ace" about his commitment to Rutgers and how he’s preparing for the next level.

GPB's Hannah Goodin interviews McEachern 5-Star Small Forward Ace Bailey.

The 2022-2023 GHSA Basketball Championships will be held March 8-11 at the Macon Centreplex and will be televised on the GPB Knowledge Channel (check your local listings in your area)and streamed live on the GPB.org/sports, the GPB Sports App, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. For a complete schedule of all the championship games click here.

Follow us on social media @GPBsports and download the GPB Sports App for all the latest news and updates leading up to the GHSA state basketball finals. 

Follow Bailey on Twitter: @AiriousB