By CHARLIE PARENT
Jack Bailey, a three-star wing in the class of 2025, picked up MVP honors at Friday’s New Jersey Hoop Recruit Classic following a 13-point performance in a scrappy win for Blair Academy (NJ.).
“Today was a really good example of who he can be,” head coach Joe Mantegna said. “He’s got the green light, and we want him to go. He can pass, rebound, get his hands on balls, and obviously make shots too. He has one of the highest IQs on the team and we’re trying to see him communicate even more because he sees everything.”
Bailey has transitioned into a starting role for the Bucs this season and feels his game has matured because of it.
“I’m definitely talking more and communicating and being a leader on the floor,” Bailey told ZAGSBLOG after Friday’s game. “I’m trying to be a coach on the floor, understanding where everyone’s supposed to be, our spacing and knowing all the plays.”
He picked up an offer from California on Thursday and has also been in touch with Butler, Iowa, Boston College, Notre Dame and Stanford, among several others.
“Cal is an incredible program,” Bailey said. “Coach [Mark] Madsen is unbelievable. He has such a voice, he’s a player’s coach and I’d love to play for him and watch him rebuild the program.”
“They think I can fit in their system,” he concluded. “My versatility, and they really like pushing the ball, so I’d be a good fit there.”
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