Rutgers standout and NBA draft hopeful Airious “Ace” Bailey has been on a wild ride this past year. From dominating at Rutgers as a freshman to now sitting on the brink of becoming a top-10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. As the spotlight gets brighter and the Barclays Center prepares to call his name, fans are starting to get curious about the quieter parts of Ace’s life. One name in particular has started circulating. Mariyah, the woman believed to be his girlfriend.
Bailey, the 6-foot-10 forward from Chattanooga, Tennessee, came into college with sky-high expectations and somehow still exceeded them. Teaming up with fellow five-star recruit Dylan Harper, Bailey helped put Rutgers basketball on the map in a way we have not seen in decades. He averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in his lone college season, showcasing the type of two-way versatility that has NBA scouts wanting more.
But just as his college rise turned heads, his pre-draft process has raised a few eyebrows. Bailey’s 2025 NBA Draft stock has taken a hit amid two major controversies: his refusal to participate in pre-draft workouts and a significant height discrepancy. Once projected as a top-three pick, Bailey has skipped workouts with several top teams—including the 76ers (No. 3), Hornets (No. 4), and Jazz (No. 5)—fueling speculation that his camp is attempting to steer him toward preferred destinations like Washington (No. 6) or New Orleans (No. 7). Critics, including Paul George, have openly questioned the professionalism and maturity behind such a move.
Then there’s the matter of his height. Listed at 6’10” at Rutgers, Bailey measured just 6’7.5″ barefoot at the Draft Combine—a 2.5-inch drop that casts doubt on his perceived two-way versatility. Combine that with concerns over his reliance on tough shot-making and inconsistent defensive engagement, and Bailey suddenly looks less like a sure thing and more like a high-risk, polarizing lottery bet.
But while Ace was making headlines on and off the court, he was staying almost radio silent off it, especially when it came to his personal life. That is what makes the interest in Mariyah all the more intriguing as the draft approaches.
Who is Mariyah, Ace Bailey’s Girlfriend, and How Long Have They Been Together?
To begin with, we know Mariyah is Ace Bailey’s girlfriend, and she is one of the few people from his inner circle set to be front and center at his NBA Draft table. According to NJ.com, Bailey even saved a seat for her at his table, as a sign of her importance in his life. And if that didn’t have you saying “how sweet,” she reportedly goes by the nickname “Piggy”. A sweet and personal touch that hints at a long-standing relationship behind the scenes.
However, the timeline of their relationship has not been made public yet. We did get a rare glimpse into their world during the 2024 holiday season, when Bailey posted an Instagram story of the two rocking matching grey hoodies and jeans, posing beside a black Maserati. The vibe? Lowkey power couple.
How Has Ace Bailey Kept His Relationship with Mariyah Private Despite Growing Fame?
With over 206,000 Instagram followers, Bailey easily has one of the most followed college basketball accounts in the country. But if you scroll through his page? It is all basketball. All grind, no girlfriend posts, no flexing of his private life. That’s what makes his relationship with Mariyah so intriguing.
His temporary story on last Christmas with Mariyah was the only time fans had seen her on his feed, and even then, it was a temporary story that quickly disappeared. But it did not go unnoticed. The post went viral in college hoops circles thanks to accounts like @NcaaNoobita, who caught it and helped fuel speculation about the mystery woman beside Rutgers’ rising star.
— NCAA Noobita (@NcaaNoobita) December 26, 2024
In today’s age, where athletes are posting every vacation, every relationship milestone, and every luxury they touch, Ace Bailey has taken the opposite route. His decision to keep Mariyah out of the public eye speaks volumes about how much he values that part of his life. It is not a PR move, just who he is, a hooper first and a private person second.
Will Mariyah Be at Ace Bailey’s NBA Draft Table? What Role Does She Play in His Support Circle
In short, absolutely. Per reports, Mariyah will be right beside Bailey as his name gets called on draft night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. His family, coaches, and everyone who helped him at Rutgers will be in attendance. Her presence says something more; she is a constant in his life.
NCAA, College League, USA Basketball: Big Ten Conference Tournament First Round-Rutgers vs USC Mar 12, 2025 Indianapolis, IN, USA Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey 4 shoots the ball in the second half against the USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Indianapolis Gainbridge Fieldhouse IN USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xTrevorxRuszkowskix 20250312_jhp_br2_0323
With all eyes on Bailey, do not be surprised if fans are looking more than just what team drafts him. There is a legit curiosity now over whether he and Mariyah will coordinate outfits again during one of the biggest nights of his life.
As Ace Bailey prepares to take the next step in his basketball career, he does so with a grounded support system around him. And at the heart of it is Mariyah. She may not be in the headlines or the ‘Gram. But she is in his corner. And on a night where the world will be watching, she will be right there, just like she always has been.
The post Who Is Ace Bailey’s Girlfriend Mariah? All Details of 19YO Star’s Personal Life Amid NBA Draft Controversy appeared first on EssentiallySports.