Ace Bailey, a projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, continues to shine on and off the court, adding to his family’s growing athletic legacy. A consensus five-star recruit and standout in the 2024 high school class, Bailey committed to Rutgers over offers from top-tier programs like Kentucky, Kansas, Ohio State, Texas, and Oregon, signaling his confidence in blazing his path both on and off the court.
Inside Ace Bailey’s Family: The Roots of a Future NBA Star
Ace comes from a family with deep roots in basketball. His mother, Ramika McGee, played at West Virginia University, while his father, Richard Bailey, suited up for the University of Houston. The game runs even deeper in the bloodline. His aunt, Venus Lacy, won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 1996 and played in the WNBA, adding to the family’s athletic pedigree.
Ace also shares a close relationship with his younger sister, Airiel. In May 2025, he marked her graduation with a heartfelt social media post, underscoring the strong bond within a family that’s both accomplished and tightly connected.
Ace Bailey Skips 76ers Visit as Draft Approach Raises Questions
With such strong roots in the game and a close-knit support system behind him, Ace has entered the 2025 NBA Draft process with confidence and clarity. That self-assurance may help explain a surprising recent decision.
According to ESPN, Ace, ranked No. 3 overall by the outlet, canceled a planned visit with the Philadelphia 76ers that was set to include dinner with team executives and a private workout. The move came less than a week before the draft, which will be held Wednesday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Note that the Sixers currently own the No. 3 pick.
NEWS: Rutgers star Ace Bailey has canceled his workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told ESPN.
Bailey remains the only US-based prospect yet to visit any NBA teams.
The Sixers have not ruled out selecting Bailey, sources say.
STORY: https://t.co/xiPP7zMOLb pic.twitter.com/ikFH2f9bkG
– Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 19, 2025
Ace’s lack of engagement with NBA teams has left several front offices uncertain. He remains the only top-tier U.S. prospect who has not participated in visits or workouts with any franchise. His expected draft range falls between picks No. 3 and No. 8, yet he has declined multiple invitations from teams within that span.
Despite keeping teams at arm’s length during the pre-draft process, Ace’s elite talent still turns heads. Even if he has skipped workouts and meetings, the 76ers have not ruled him out. The team monitored him closely at Rutgers and interviewed him at the NBA Draft Combine.
Compared to Paul George and Brandon Miller, with averages of 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 46.0% shooting, Ace’s upside remains clear. He was raised in a family rooted in basketball success. As such, Bailey has the pedigree and poise that teams covet.
With that in mind, whether the Sixers are willing to bet on his potential without a pre-draft workout could become one of the most compelling storylines when the draft tips off in Brooklyn.
