On Wednesday night, five-star Amari Bailey capped off one of the most interesting recruitments I’ve ever followed and it is wild to think that he’s not even started his junior season.
For those who don’t know the story, Bailey initially committed to DePaul before he even began his high school career. After decommitting and moving to the Los Angeles area to attend Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon, the 6-foot-5 combo guard made an early commitment to Steve Alford’s staff at UCLA. When Alford was let go, Bailey opened things up again and now after some time on the market, he’s once again committed to the Bruins and Mick Cronin.
So, now that Bailey is off the board, again, what can Bruin fans expect from 247Sports No. 4 ranked player in the class of 2022?
Not surprisingly, I think there is a lot for them to like.
Having just turned 17, Bailey already has the size, body and athleticism of an older player. Though he is relatively lean, he has some wiry strength and could easily pass for somebody who has been on a college campus for at least a year.
A combo guard who is at his best making plays off the dribble, Bailey projects as a big and physical playmaker. Put him in ball screen situations and he does a great job of dragging out his defender, using the screen and then getting his shoulders and body turned to get downhill and get his feet in the paint. When he gets into the lane, he’s a clever finisher and a very alert and capable passer who does a good job of finding teammates for open jumpers.
Theoretically he could play some minutes at the point guard on the college level, but personally I love him as a secondary ball handler and primary scorer who can also make plays for others. Bailey isn’t yet known as a prolific jump shooter, but he is more than capable from deep and does a good job of getting lift on his jumper and the release on his shot is pretty clean with good arc and backspin.
Where Bailey really shines, though, is in the open floor and playing in transition. I love a guy who can grab a rebound or take an outlet pass and immediately get his team into a fast break. Bailey does that and he causes nightmares for defenders because they have to figure out how to keep him from the rim while also understanding that he will find teammates slashing to the cup too. He will finish lobs in style or he will simply dunk in your face. It’s certainly a pick your poison situation once Bailey gets loose in the open floor with the ball in his hands and a full head of steam.
Finally, Cronin values tough guys who can bring it on both ends of the floor. Bailey fits there as well. His length, quickness, athleticism and instincts all lend themselves to playing at a high level on the defensive end and he’s among the best perimeter defenders in his class.
Given how much has already happened in Bailey’s recruitment, no UCLA fan or coach can rest easy until he arrives on campus. But, for the time being he’s one heck of a get who fits on both sides of the ball and has the ability to make an instant impact on both sides of the ball.
