Last Updated on October 13, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Ace Bailey is an American professional basketball player known for his impressive scoring ability, athleticism, and performances with the Utah Jazz in the NBA. Born Airious Bailey on August 13, 2006, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the talented forward played college basketball for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights before being selected fifth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Beyond basketball, Ace Bailey’s family has a remarkable sporting background. His mother, Ramika McGee, played college basketball at West Virginia University, while his father, Richard Bailey, represented the University of Houston. His stepfather is Antoric Wilson, and his aunt, Venus Lacy, is a former WNBA player and Olympic gold medalist. Bailey has also spoken publicly about his brothers and sisters. Here is everything known about Ace Bailey’s girlfriend, children, parents, and siblings.
Ace Bailey’s Girlfriend: Who Is Mariyah?
Ace Bailey has been romantically linked to a woman named Mariyah, although the Utah Jazz player’s current relationship status has not been independently confirmed.
Mariyah attracted public attention during the buildup to the 2025 NBA Draft when reports began circulating about her relationship with the former Rutgers basketball star.
According to a June 2025 article published by Hindustan Times, which referenced reporting by USA Today, Bailey appeared to be dating Mariyah but had shared relatively little information about their relationship.
One of the few publicly reported glimpses of the couple came during the 2024 holiday season.
Bailey reportedly shared an Instagram Story showing himself alongside Mariyah, with both wearing matching gray hoodies and jeans while posing near a black Maserati.
The photograph attracted attention among college basketball fans, particularly because Bailey had generally kept his romantic relationships private.
Additional entertainment and sports websites have identified the woman as Mariyah Valrie, although her full identity and personal background have not been independently established through authoritative reporting.
Details about when the relationship began, how the couple met, and whether they are still together remain limited.
Neither Bailey nor Mariyah has given a widely documented interview discussing their relationship in detail.
As a result, it is more accurate to describe Mariyah as Bailey’s publicly reported romantic partner rather than definitively identifying her as his current girlfriend.
Is Ace Bailey Married?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Ace Bailey is married or engaged.
Although reports have connected him romantically to Mariyah, the American basketball player has not publicly announced a wedding or engagement.
Most of his public interviews have focused on basketball, his family, and his ambitions as a professional athlete.
Consequently, there is insufficient verified information to establish that Bailey has a wife or fiancée.
Does Ace Bailey Have Children?
As of now, there is no verified public information confirming that Ace Bailey has any children.
The Utah Jazz forward has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NBA and college basketball biographies do not identify any children.
Although Bailey has spoken frequently about the importance of his parents, siblings, and extended family, he has not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father.
Therefore, there is currently no reliable evidence establishing that he has children.
Ace Bailey’s Parents: Meet Richard Bailey and Ramika McGee
Ace Bailey’s parents are Richard Bailey and Ramika McGee, both former NCAA Division I basketball players.
Their identities and athletic backgrounds are confirmed by Rutgers University and the NBA’s official 2025 Draft profile.
Bailey grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, surrounded by relatives who had experience playing competitive basketball.
His mother attended West Virginia University, while his father played at the University of Houston.
In a November 2023 interview with Pro Insight, Bailey explained that growing up around basketball-playing relatives helped him develop an interest in the sport when he was young.
Ace Bailey’s Father: Richard Bailey
Richard Bailey is Ace Bailey’s biological father and a former college basketball player.
He represented the University of Houston, competing at the NCAA Division I level.
Richard’s basketball experience contributed to the strong sporting tradition within the Bailey family.
During a November 2023 interview with Pro Insight, Ace specifically mentioned that his father had played basketball at Houston when describing his family’s athletic background.
That experience gave Bailey an early connection to the sport long before he became one of the nation’s leading high school prospects.
Richard has also supported his son’s basketball development.
According to an official Rutgers University announcement published on November 12, 2023, he accompanied Ace during his visit to the university.
The visit also included Ace’s mother, Ramika McGee, and his stepfather, Antoric Wilson.
The family’s presence demonstrated their involvement in the college recruitment process.
Although Richard’s basketball background is well documented, detailed public information about his current occupation and personal life remains limited.
Ace Bailey’s Mother: Ramika McGee
Ramika McGee is Ace Bailey’s mother and a former collegiate basketball player at West Virginia University.
She has been one of the most frequently mentioned members of Bailey’s family throughout his basketball development.
Growing up, Ace spent much of his childhood with his mother, who helped introduce him to a household where basketball was a familiar part of everyday life.
In a November 2023 interview with Pro Insight, Bailey explained that he had grown up around his mother and relatives who played basketball.
He said the experience encouraged him to develop a passion for the sport at an early age.
Ramika’s basketball background also provided her with an understanding of the challenges facing young athletes who hope to compete at the highest level.
She became particularly involved during her son’s recruitment to Rutgers University.
When Bailey visited the New Jersey university in January 2023, he was impressed by the basketball program, coaching staff, and atmosphere surrounding the team.
After watching Rutgers defeat Ohio State in overtime, Bailey told his mother that he wanted to attend the university.
According to his Pro Insight interview, Ramika asked whether Rutgers was truly the school he wanted before assuring him that she supported his decision.
Bailey subsequently informed head coach Steve Pikiell that he intended to join the Scarlet Knights.
The announcement sparked an enthusiastic reaction from the coaching staff and players.
Bailey recalled that his mother became emotional as the team celebrated his decision.
Her support remained an important part of his journey as he progressed from high school basketball to one of the country’s leading college programs.
Ace Bailey’s Stepfather: Antoric Wilson
Antoric Wilson is Ace Bailey’s stepfather, according to Rutgers University’s official basketball recruiting announcement.
He accompanied Ace and his biological parents during a visit to Rutgers in October 2023.
The university specifically identified Wilson as Bailey’s stepfather, confirming his relationship to the basketball player.
Although his presence during the visit demonstrated his involvement in this important stage of Bailey’s athletic journey, there is limited verified public information about Wilson’s occupation, education, or personal background.
Unlike Ace’s biological parents, who both played NCAA Division I basketball, Wilson has not been widely profiled in major sports publications.
His inclusion in the Rutgers recruiting announcement nevertheless confirms that he was part of the family group supporting Bailey’s college basketball ambitions.
Ace Bailey’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers and Sisters?
Ace Bailey has publicly referred to having brothers and sisters, although their names and the exact number of his siblings have not been fully established through official basketball biographies.
In a November 2023 interview with Pro Insight, Bailey discussed the importance of family during his recruitment to Rutgers.
He explained that the university had made his mother, sisters, and brothers feel welcome during their interactions with the basketball program.
This statement provides direct evidence that Bailey has referred to both brothers and sisters as members of his family.
One independent basketball scouting report has also described him as the oldest among four siblings, although that description is not confirmed in the official Rutgers or NBA biographies.
Because detailed information about the siblings is limited, their names, ages, and individual backgrounds should not be presented as established facts without reliable confirmation.
Ace Bailey’s Brothers
Bailey has mentioned his brothers when discussing the importance of family and his decision to attend Rutgers University.
However, he has not publicly identified them by name in the widely available official player biographies.
There is also insufficient verified information about whether any of his brothers have pursued competitive basketball or other sports.
Unlike Bailey, whose career has attracted national attention since high school, his brothers have generally remained outside the public spotlight.
Ace Bailey’s Sisters
Ace Bailey has also referred to his sisters in public interviews.
During his conversation with Pro Insight, he explained that the Rutgers basketball program had welcomed his family warmly, specifically mentioning his sisters.
However, the names, ages, and educational backgrounds of his sisters have not been reliably established in major sports publications.
There is no sufficiently verified information confirming whether any of them are involved in competitive athletics.
Consequently, additional details about their personal lives remain private.
Is Ace Bailey Related to Venus Lacy?
Yes. Venus Lacy is Ace Bailey’s aunt and one of the most accomplished athletes in his extended family.
Born on February 9, 1967, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lacy became an outstanding college basketball player before competing professionally.
She represented Louisiana Tech University and helped establish herself as one of the leading women’s basketball players of her generation.
Standing approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall, Lacy played as a center and became known for her rebounding, physical strength, and interior scoring.
Her greatest international achievement came at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where she represented the United States women’s national basketball team.
The American team won the Olympic gold medal, finishing the tournament undefeated.
Lacy subsequently played in the Women’s National Basketball Association, representing the New York Liberty during the league’s inaugural 1997 season.
Her Olympic success and professional career made her an important sporting figure in the Bailey family.
Rutgers University’s official basketball biography specifically identifies Lacy as Ace’s aunt and highlights her Olympic gold medal.
In an interview with On3, Bailey also mentioned his aunt’s WNBA career while describing his family’s basketball background.
Growing up with relatives who had competed in college basketball, the WNBA, and the Olympics helped expose Bailey to the possibilities of a professional basketball career.
How Ace Bailey’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Ace Bailey’s passion for basketball developed during his childhood in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
With both parents having competed at the NCAA Division I level and an aunt who became an Olympic champion, he grew up surrounded by examples of sporting success.
However, basketball was not the only sport he played during childhood.
In his November 2023 interview with Pro Insight, Bailey explained that he began playing basketball at approximately three years old, baseball at four, and American football at five.
He participated in all three sports before gradually concentrating on basketball.
By sixth or seventh grade, Bailey had begun to recognize that he possessed the ability to pursue the sport at a higher level.
His growing height, shooting ability, and athleticism helped him attract attention from high school coaches and college recruiters.
Bailey initially attended Boyd-Buchanan School in Chattanooga before transferring to McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia.
The move provided an opportunity to compete against stronger basketball programs and continue his development.
At McEachern, Bailey became one of the highest-ranked high school basketball prospects in the United States.
During his senior season, he averaged 33.4 points, 15.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 2.9 blocks per game.
His performances helped McEachern finish with a 26–6 record and earned him recognition as Georgia’s Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
He also received McDonald’s All-American honors in 2024 and participated in the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit.
The achievements made him one of the most highly recruited players in the country.
Ace Bailey’s Family and His Decision to Join Rutgers
Family played an important role in Ace Bailey’s decision to attend Rutgers University.
Despite attracting interest from traditional college basketball powerhouses, Bailey eventually chose the Scarlet Knights.
His final group of potential universities included Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Kansas, and several other prominent programs.
However, Bailey developed a particularly strong relationship with Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell and his staff.
One of the most important factors was the way the program treated his family.
During his Pro Insight interview, Bailey explained that the coaching staff made his relatives feel welcome and created an atmosphere similar to a family environment.
He also had a close friendship with Rutgers guard Jamichael Davis, whom he had known since childhood.
The two played together at McEachern High School and with the Athletes of Tomorrow AAU basketball program.
Bailey described Davis as someone he considered almost a brother because of their long friendship.
He wanted to continue playing alongside Davis and help Rutgers develop into a nationally competitive basketball program.
His mother supported the decision, and his father and stepfather were also involved in visiting the university.
On November 12, 2023, Rutgers officially announced Bailey as part of its incoming recruiting class.
At the time, he was the highest-ranked basketball recruit in the university’s history.
Ace Bailey’s College Basketball Career
Ace Bailey joined Rutgers University for the 2024–25 college basketball season.
Playing alongside fellow highly regarded freshman Dylan Harper, he quickly established himself as one of the Big Ten Conference’s most promising young players.
During his only season at Rutgers, Bailey started all 30 games in which he appeared.
He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while contributing 1.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.3 blocks.
His most notable individual performances included scoring 39 points against Indiana and 37 points against Northwestern.
Bailey finished the season with 527 points, the second-highest total by a Rutgers freshman at the time.
His performances earned him Third Team All-Big Ten recognition from the media and selection to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
Following the season, Bailey declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, beginning the next stage of his basketball career.
Ace Bailey’s Journey to the Utah Jazz
On June 25, 2025, the Utah Jazz selected Ace Bailey with the fifth overall pick in the NBA Draft.
The selection made him one of the highest-drafted players in Rutgers basketball history.
Although his pre-draft process attracted attention because of reports about his workout decisions, Bailey expressed appreciation for the opportunity to begin his professional career in Utah.
He officially joined the Jazz and made his NBA debut on October 22, 2025.
During the 2025–26 NBA season, Bailey appeared in 72 games, including 61 starts.
He averaged 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 44.3 percent from the field.
His performances demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively while continuing to develop as a young professional basketball player.
On May 20, 2026, the NBA announced that Bailey had been selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
The recognition marked an important achievement during his first professional season.
With his family background in competitive basketball and his early NBA success, Bailey entered his second professional season as an important part of Utah’s young roster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ace Bailey’s Family
Who is Ace Bailey’s girlfriend?
Ace Bailey has been romantically linked to a woman named Mariyah. Their relationship was reported during the 2025 NBA Draft period, but their current status has not been reliably confirmed.
Is Ace Bailey married?
There is no verified public confirmation that Ace Bailey is married or engaged.
Does Ace Bailey have children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for the Utah Jazz basketball player.
Who are Ace Bailey’s parents?
His parents are Richard Bailey and Ramika McGee. His father played college basketball at the University of Houston, while his mother represented West Virginia University.
Who is Ace Bailey’s father?
Ace Bailey’s biological father is Richard Bailey, a former NCAA Division I basketball player at the University of Houston.
Who is Ace Bailey’s mother?
His mother is Ramika McGee, a former West Virginia University basketball player who supported his decision to attend Rutgers University.
Who is Ace Bailey’s stepfather?
Ace Bailey’s stepfather is Antoric Wilson, who accompanied him during a Rutgers University recruiting visit in 2023.
Does Ace Bailey have siblings?
Yes. Ace Bailey has publicly referred to brothers and sisters. However, their names and exact number have not been fully verified through official basketball biographies.
Is Ace Bailey related to Venus Lacy?
Yes. Venus Lacy is Ace Bailey’s aunt. She played in the WNBA and won an Olympic gold medal with the United States women’s basketball team in 1996.
Where is Ace Bailey from?
He was born on August 13, 2006, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States. He later attended McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia.
What is Ace Bailey’s real name?
His full name is Airious Bailey, although he is widely known by his nickname, Ace.
Which NBA team does Ace Bailey play for?
Ace Bailey plays for the Utah Jazz, who selected him fifth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
