The former Rutgers standout and No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft has chosen to wear jersey number 19 for the Jazz, a unique choice that comes amid a fresh start and an effort to silence early doubts about his commitment to the team.

“I’m just blessed to be here,” Bailey told reporters during his introductory press conference in Salt Lake City. “Utah’s my team now, and I’m ready to get to work.”

The sentiment marks a noticeable shift in tone from earlier reports that suggested Bailey was hoping to land with a different team. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony even reported that Utah was “not one of his preferred destinations,” fueling speculation that Bailey might refuse to report or attempt to force a trade. But Bailey has since put those rumors to rest, publicly denying any intentions of skipping out on the Jazz and reaffirming his commitment to the franchise.

Bailey’s jersey choice—No. 19—has drawn curiosity from fans and media alike, with some labeling it “weird” or “unusual” for a top rookie. However, Bailey made the pick with intention, signaling a new chapter in his career and embracing the opportunity to forge his own path in Utah.

Columnist Gordon Monson of The Salt Lake Tribune summed up the situation best: “Utah may not have been his first choice, but it’s his now for the taking.”

If Bailey’s talent translates to the court the way scouts expect, the Jazz may have found a franchise cornerstone—controversy and all.

While the teaser lacked explicit details, the timing and tone strongly suggest that EA Sports is preparing to revive its dormant NCAA Basketball series, which hasn’t seen a release since NCAA Basketball 10 hit shelves in 2009. The hashtag “#CBB” and the phrase “Bring the Madness” clearly nod to March Madness, the centerpiece of college basketball and a cultural phenomenon fans have been desperate to relive digitally for over a decade.

This teaser comes as EA prepares to launch its College Football 25 title later this summer, marking a full return to collegiate sports gaming after years of legal battles surrounding player likeness rights. With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) agreements now mainstream, it’s increasingly feasible for EA to feature real college athletes in future basketball titles as well.

Though no release window has been announced, fan excitement is already surging. If this teaser is indeed confirmation of a new college basketball game, it would be the first of its kind in 16 years—and potentially the most anticipated sports gaming revival in recent memory.

For now, players and fans alike will have to wait for more concrete details. But one thing is clear: EA Sports is gearing up to put college basketball back in the game.

At the center of the conversation is Ish from the Joe Budden Podcast circle—connected to Bailey through family ties and industry influence—whose business-first approach may be backfiring. Critics argue that the agency representing Bailey has leaned into trying to “reinvent” the revenue model for athletes, possibly advising him to avoid pre-draft workouts and traditional media engagements in favor of monetized, controlled platforms like Patreon or Twitch.

“If you want to get paid to interview, go make a Cameo,” one industry insider said. “But don’t expect media to pay you to do their job. That’s not how it works—especially before you’ve proven anything.”

The agency’s tight control over Bailey’s public presence and refusal to participate in typical pre-draft activities—including skipping interviews and workouts—has rubbed teams the wrong way. Some suspect it was a calculated attempt to manipulate where Bailey landed. He made it known he did not want to be drafted by the Utah Jazz, instead preferring Washington, New Orleans, or Brooklyn. Utah took him anyway with the No. 5 pick, despite Bailey’s camp reportedly expressing disinterest.

“I had no idea they were interested,” Bailey said post-draft, sounding more blindsided than honored. According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, “This was not one of his preferred destinations… a little bit of a stunner.”

That surprise has led to speculation Bailey could try to force his way out the moment he’s eligible. Fans and analysts alike have questioned if his agency sabotaged his draft standing—either to land him with a team where he’d get more minutes or to engineer a future trade.

Adding more complexity is the Cooper-Bailey family web. Omar Cooper—father of former NBA prospect Sharife Cooper and WNBA hopeful Tea Cooper—is also reportedly involved. Critics argue Sharife, though talented, entered the NBA draft too soon, and Tea, despite being good enough to stay on a roster, never reestablished herself after having a child—an unfortunate reality in the limited-scope WNBA.

That same urgency now surrounds Bailey. If the Coopers are pulling strings again, it’s raising red flags among executives about history repeating itself.

Ultimately, Bailey’s natural ability isn’t in question. He’s a versatile scorer with size and elite touch. But if his representation continues to alienate teams, deny access, and project entitlement before he’s even played a game, he may become a cautionary tale for future prospects.

In the modern NBA, image and professionalism matter as much as talent. And right now, Ace Bailey’s camp is putting both at risk.

Leading the charge is a trio of high school stars — AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Darryn Peterson — each with franchise-player potential. This class has strong positional balance: elite wings, modern bigs, and a growing crop of skilled guards. There’s also significant international flavor, from Finland’s Mikka Muurinen to France’s Karim Lopez, giving this board global reach and versatility.

Some names are rocketing up draft boards thanks to recent performances, while others are sliding due to concerns about fit, frame, or motor. With that in mind, here’s our early Top 50 Big Board for the 2026 NBA Draft — with a few strategic shifts in the rankings to reflect new scouting insights.

2026 NBA Draft Big Board (3/30/25)

1. AJ Dybantsa – 6’9’’, SF, High School / BYU

2. Darryn Peterson – 6’5’’, SG, High School / Kansas

3. Cameron Boozer – 6’9’’, PF, High School / Duke

4. Caleb Wilson – 6’9’’, PF, High School / North Carolina

5. Alijah Arenas – 6’6’’, SG, High School / USC

6. Nate Ament – 6’9’’, SF, High School / Undecided

7. Mikka Muurinen – 6’10’’, PF, Finland

8. Chris Cenac Jr. – 6’10’’, C, High School / Houston

9. Koa Peat – 6’8’’, SF, High School / Arizona

10. Karim Lopez – 6’8’’, SF, NBL

11. Jayden Quaintance – 6’10’’, PF, Arizona State, Fr.

12. Darius Acuff Jr. – 6’1’’, PG, High School / Arkansas

13. Dash Daniels – 6’5’’, SG, Australia

14. Bennett Stiritz – 6’4’’, PG, Iowa, Jr.

15. Meleek Thomas – 6’4’’, SG, High School / Arkansas

16. Brayden Burries – 6’4’’, SG, High School / Undecided

17. Tahaad Pettiford – 6’1’’, PG, Auburn, Fr.

18. Bryson Tiller – 6’8’’, PF, Overtime Elite

19. Isiah Harwell – 6’5’’, SG, High School / Houston

20. Donovan Dent – 6’2’’, PG, New Mexico, Jr.

21. Jalen Haralson – 6’5’’, SF, High School / Notre Dame

22. Karter Knox – 6’6’’, SF, Arkansas, Fr.

23. Jasper Johnson – 6’4’’, PG, High School / Kentucky

24. Jarin Stevenson – 6’10’’, PF, Alabama, Soph.

25. Hugo Facorat – 6’10’’, PF, France

26. Cayden Boozer – 6’4’’, SG, High School / Duke

27. Malachi Moreno – 7’1’’, C, High School / Kentucky

28. Fiory Bidunga – 6’9’’, C, Kansas, Fr.

29. Dame Sarr – 6’6’’, SG, Italy

30. Silas Demary Jr. – 6’5’’, PG, Georgia, Soph.

31. Sadiq White – 6’8’’, PF, High School / Syracuse

32. Josan Sanon – 6’6’’, SG, Arizona State, Fr.

33. Noa Kouakou-Heugue – 6’10’’, SF, France

34. Miles Byrd – 6’7’’, SG, San Diego State, Soph.

35. Derrion Reid – 6’7’’, PF, Alabama, Fr.

36. Henry Veesaar – 7’0’’, C, Arizona, Soph.

37. Kanon Catchings – 6’8’’, SF, BYU, Fr.

38. Sidi Gueye – 6’10’’, C, Senegal

39. Jalil Bethea – 6’5’’, SG, Miami, Fr.

40. PJ Haggerty – 6’3’’, PG, Memphis, Soph.

41. Darren Harris – 6’5’’, SG, Duke, Fr.

42. Billy Richmond – 6’5’’, SG, Arkansas, Fr.

43. Solo Ball – 6’3’’, PG, Connecticut, Soph.

44. Declan Duru – 6’8’’, SF, Germany

45. Patrick Ngongba II – 6’10’’, C, Duke, Fr.

46. Ahmad Nowell – 6’0’’, PG, Connecticut, Fr.

47. Baye Ndongo – 6’9’’, PF, Georgia Tech, Soph.

48. Robert Wright III – 6’0’’, PG, Baylor, Fr.

49. Bryson Tucker – 6’7’’, SF, Indiana, Fr.

50. Mario Saint-Supery – 6’3’’, PG, Spain

Key Notes So Far:

• AJ Dybantsa remains the crown jewel, blending size, skill, and scoring instincts that scream No. 1 pick.

• Darryn Peterson leapfrogs Cameron Boozer due to his dynamic scoring and two-way upside.

• Alijah Arenas rises into the Top 5 — he’s drawing NBA comparisons to mid-career Donovan Mitchell with better size.

• Karim Lopez continues to climb thanks to his production in the NBL — his floor-spacing and defense are NBA-ready.

• International talent like Muurinen, Lopez, Facorat, and Kouakou-Heugue add serious intrigue and diversity to this class.

• College returners like Bennett Stiritz and Donovan Dent give teams options for more mature, immediate contributors.

This year’s class is loaded with talent — from versatile wings like Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe, to crafty guards like Dylan Harper and Kasparas Jakucionis, and towering bigs like Khaman Maluach. With a mix of NBA-ready prospects and long-term upside swings, this draft could reshape several franchises.

Let’s dive into the full lottery mock based on team needs, player rankings, and potential fit.

1. Dallas Mavericks — Cooper Flagg (6’9’’, PF, Duke, Fr.)

Flagg is the consensus No. 1 and the perfect fit for a Dallas team that just traded Luka and is building around Anthony Davis—for now. He brings elite two-way instincts, motor, and versatility. He can be the face of the franchise or part of a blockbuster trade for Giannis.

2. San Antonio Spurs — Dylan Harper (6’6’’, SG, Rutgers, Fr.)

Harper gives the Spurs a high-IQ combo guard to pair with Wembanyama. He’s shifty, smart, and unselfish—traits that will flourish in Popovich’s system. A backcourt of Harper and Devin Vassell with Wemby in the frontcourt is a tantalizing young trio.

3. Philadelphia 76ers — Ace Bailey (6’10’’, SF, Rutgers, Fr.)

Bailey’s length and athleticism on the wing offer upside Philly desperately needs. He’s raw but flashes star-level potential as a scorer and defender. With Embiid anchoring the middle, Bailey can grow into a primary or secondary option.

4. Charlotte Hornets — VJ Edgecombe (6’5’’, SF, Baylor, Fr.)

Charlotte adds a powerful downhill athlete and defensive tone-setter. Edgecombe might not have the high-end creation chops, but his energy and versatility are perfect next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

5. Utah Jazz — Tre Johnson (6’6’’, SG, Texas, Fr.)

Utah continues to add high-upside scorers. Johnson’s a smooth bucket-getter with real shot-making talent. He fits the Jazz’s need for offensive firepower in the backcourt.

6. Washington Wizards — Jeremiah Fears (6’4’’, PG, Oklahoma, Fr.)

Fears plays with a pro-ready pace, makes reads, and can shoot. The Wizards need a franchise lead guard, and Fears fits their timeline while bringing real upside.

7. New Orleans Pelicans — Derik Queen (6’10’’, C, Maryland, Fr.)

Queen’s feel and scoring touch inside give New Orleans flexibility. He can play next to Zion Williamson or come off the bench and dominate mismatches. The rise of double-big lineups makes this a smart pick.

8. Brooklyn Nets — Asa Newell (6’10’’, PF, Georgia, Fr.)

Newell has concerns on defense, but his shooting potential and vertical threat profile are intriguing. Brooklyn’s young core needs size with stretch potential, and Newell fits the bill as a long-term play.

9. Toronto Raptors — Nolan Traore (6’4’’, PG, France)

A rising international guard with pop and playmaking. Toronto goes back to their international roots with a lead guard who can score, defend, and push pace.

10. Houston Rockets (via Phoenix) — Khaman Maluach (7’2’’, C, Duke, Fr.)

Maluach is one of the most NBA-ready bigs in the class. His rim protection, mobility, and lob threat potential would complement the Rockets’ young backcourt and provide a defensive backbone.

11. Portland Trail Blazers — Kasparas Jakucionis (6’5’’, PG, Illinois, Fr.)

A skilled, playoff-style guard with scoring and defensive balance. Jakucionis has been rising rapidly and fits Portland’s rebuild as a high-IQ connector who can also take over late-game possessions.

12. Chicago Bulls — Noa Essengue (6’10’’, PF, France)

Chicago grabs a physical 3&D forward with upside. Essengue can switch, rebound, and hit open shots—a modern power forward to pair with their existing core.

13. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento) — Jase Richardson (6’3’’, SG, Michigan State, Fr.)

Explosive and productive at just 18.7 years old, Richardson is a two-way guard who gives Atlanta options if they move Trae Young. Great fit as a developing scorer and defender.

14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta) — Carter Bryant (6’8’’, SF, Arizona, Fr.)

The Spurs use their second pick to swing on a versatile, long-term wing prospect. Bryant brings size, shooting potential, and projectable defense to one of the league’s best developmental pipelines.

Key Takeaways:

• Jakucionis has cooled slightly in this board, but still ranks as a top-12 talent due to his playoff-friendly skill set.

• Khaman Maluach may slide due to fit/team needs but remains one of the most NBA-ready bigs in the class.

• VJ Edgecombe rises again despite creation concerns—teams value athleticism and 2-way tools at the top.

• Ace Bailey moves into the top 3, thanks to elite physical traits and positional scoring value.

• Nolan Traore and Noa Essengue represent the latest wave of elite French prospects, continuing international dominance in the draft.

Draft Order Set: Spurs, Sixers, Hornets Follow

The full top four of the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery looks like this:

1. Dallas Mavericks

2. San Antonio Spurs

3. Philadelphia 76ers

4. Charlotte Hornets

The Spurs, who already possess a once-in-a-generation big man in Victor Wembanyama, will have their pick of elite prospects behind Flagg, while the 76ers and Hornets are in prime position to add foundational talent to fast-evolving rosters.

Cooper Flagg Expected to Go No. 1

Cooper Flagg, a 6’9″ forward with elite two-way potential, is widely projected to be the top overall pick. Scouts have compared his skill set and motor to players like Jayson Tatum and a young Kawhi Leonard. For a Mavericks team that recently hit the reset button, Flagg would be the perfect young cornerstone to rebuild around.

However, there’s another path.

Giannis on the Move?

Giannis Antetokounmpo has made waves around the league after publicly stating he will “explore all options” this offseason. With the Milwaukee Bucks falling short in recent playoff runs and now facing potential roster instability, the two-time MVP could be looking for a new home. Could Dallas be it?

Luka Out, AD In: The Mavericks’ Bold Shift

Dallas made headlines earlier this season by trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. The move shocked the NBA world, signaling a dramatic shift in the Mavericks’ vision. With Davis anchoring the paint, Dallas may now be tempted to create a superteam by pairing him with Giannis instead of restarting with a rookie.

Will Dallas Trade the Pick?

League sources say the Mavericks are weighing all options, including trading the No. 1 pick in a deal for Giannis. A package centered around the top selection, along with future picks and young assets, could be enough to entice the Bucks if Antetokounmpo signals he’s ready to move on.

The decision could define the franchise for the next decade:

• Draft Flagg and build a young core around him and Davis.

• Or trade the pick and go all-in with a superstar pairing of Giannis and AD.

Whichever path they choose, the Dallas Mavericks are once again at the center of the NBA universe.

Full Trade Details:

Los Angeles Lakers Receive:

Luka Dončić
Maxi Kleber
Markieff Morris

Dallas Mavericks Receive:

Anthony Davis
Max Christie
2029 first-round draft pick

This trade instantly transforms the Lakers, pairing Dončić with LeBron James to form one of the most dynamic duos in the league. Dončić, a perennial MVP candidate, brings elite playmaking, scoring, and leadership, giving Los Angeles a new franchise cornerstone as LeBron nears the twilight of his career. The Lakers also add Maxi Kleber, a versatile big man, and veteran forward Markieff Morris, providing much-needed depth to their frontcourt.

For Dallas, moving on from Dončić signals a major shift in direction. In return, they receive Anthony Davis, a dominant two-way force when healthy, who can anchor the team defensively while providing a formidable offensive presence. Adding Max Christie, a promising young guard, along with a valuable 2029 first-round pick, gives the Mavericks assets to build around moving forward.

The implications of this trade will be felt across the league. The Lakers are now positioned as immediate title contenders, while the Mavericks look to retool their roster for the future. With Dončić in Los Angeles, the Western Conference just got even more competitive.

Kiyan’s decision to commit to Syracuse not only marks the continuation of a basketball legacy but also brings him back to his roots. Growing up with a father who led Syracuse to a national championship in 2003, the decision to wear the same colors and play in the same historic program was inevitable. It’s a full-circle moment for Carmelo Anthony, whose time at Syracuse launched him into NBA stardom.

“I thought Kiyan might take his own path,” said a basketball source. “But in the end, playing for Syracuse felt like the right fit. It’s exciting to see the next generation take the court at the same school that started it all.”

As Kiyan embarks on his collegiate journey, the excitement surrounding his decision is palpable. Fans are eager to see what the young star brings to the court and how he will carve out his own identity, both as a player and as part of the storied Syracuse basketball program. Congratulations to Kiyan Anthony—the basketball world will surely be watching as this next chapter unfolds!

Fans and analysts are now closely watching to see whether the former MVP is planning to retire from the NBA or join another team for the next chapter of his career. As one of the most respected figures in the league, Rose’s decision will undoubtedly draw significant attention.

It looks like D-Rose has an announcement to make soon

(h/t @DerrickRoseMuse ) pic.twitter.com/mrNYraU3NN

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 26, 2024

Wojnarowski graduated from St. Bonaventure in 1991 and has maintained a strong connection with the program, particularly in recent years, where he has been involved in fundraising efforts for the school’s collective. His deep ties to the university and his passion for its basketball program made this an ideal next step in his career.

“It is a thrill of a lifetime to be able to return to a university and community that I love in a role of service to our student-athletes, coaches, and institution,” Wojnarowski told ESPN. “I am hopeful that I can bring value in a lot of areas to our basketball program and open doors for our young men’s futures in ways both professionally and personally.”

As a distinguished alumnus from St. Bonaventure’s Jandoli School of Communication, Wojnarowski has long been regarded as a key figure in the university’s community. His experience and connections in the NBA will undoubtedly be assets to the basketball program, helping to elevate both its profile and the opportunities available to its athletes.