Kentucky Target, 5-Star Small Forward Airious 'Ace' Bailey Commits to Rutgers

The Wildcats were thought to be frontrunners for the top-10 player in the '24 class before his announcement to head up north to Piscataway, N.J.

One of the first big names in the 2024 recruiting class is off the board, in a bit of a surprise move. 

Airious "Ace" Bailey — a 6-foot-10, 185-pound small forward out of McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga. — confirmed on Sunday evening that he has committed to Rutgers. TheScore's Jordan Schultz broke the news, noting that Kentucky was indeed high in the running for the coveted prospect:

Sources: 5 Star forward Airious Bailey commits to Rutgers. One of the most decorated players in the entire 2024 class. Kentucky was also in the mix. @theScore

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 15, 2023

The decision to head to Piscataway, N.J. was a shocking one, in that the 5-star talent had just trimmed his list of schools still in contention down to 12 on New Year's Day: 

Glory to God…AB4 pic.twitter.com/cumpggbSHc

— Ace Bailey (@AiriousB) January 1, 2023

On Sept. 13, 2022, UK coach John Calipari took a visit to see Bailey, subsequently offering the forward on the same day. Kentucky was the fourth Power 5 school to offer, with Tennessee and Auburn being notables who jumped out ahead. 

The Wildcats were thought to be one of the frontrunners for the top-10 recruit, who was rated as the No. 6 player in the class, per the On3 Consensus. Instead, he has become the highest-ranked recruit in Rutgers basketball history. Bailey told 247Sports' Travis Branham that Rutgers "feels like home."

Another one of Kentucky's top targets for 2024 — 5-star shooting guard and No. 2 player in the class Ian Jackson — will announce his decision on Monday afternoon, with the Wildcats and North Carolina the top schools in contention. 

More on Jackson's upcoming decision HERE. 

Learn more about Kentucky's incoming 2023 class HERE.

John Calipari found vindication in Kentucky's victory over the Volunteers. More HERE.

Game notes from the win can be found HERE.

Hear what Antonio Reeves and Jacob Toppin had to say about the win HERE.

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

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