After Ace Bailey Nets 25 Points In Jazz Preseason Debut, Hopes In Utah Run High

Utah Jazz guard and rookie Airious “Ace” Bailey impressed in his preseason debut, leading the team with 25 points in a 140-127 loss to the Houston Rockets.

Drafted by the Jazz as the fifth overall pick in June, the former Rutgers guard wasted no time putting his talents on display. He also recorded six rebounds, three assists and shot 11-16 on the night.

“First game,” Bailey said after the match. “That’s my favorite part of it. I mean, just playing my first game, getting all the nerves out.”

His debut performance caught the attention of Kevin Durant, a player whom Bailey idolized growing up.

“I think he’s going to be a hell of a player,” Durant said after the game. “I’m expecting a big year and a big career for him, and tonight he showed what he can do.”

Jazz head coach Will Hardy says Bailey is just getting started and will continue to progress throughout the campaign as the team looks to improve last season’s 17-65 record.

“We have to recognize this is the beginning of his career,” Hardy said on Wednesday. “He’s a young man, and he’s trying to learn and grow.”

The Jazz will open its regular season against the Los Angeles Clippers in Salt Lake City on Oct. 22.