Former Rutgers guard and current Utah Jazz player Ace Bailey celebrated his 19th birthday on Wednesday. Two days later, he revealed the arrangements his girlfriend Mariyah made to make his birthday special.
On Thursday, the Rutgers alum shared a snapshot of his girlfriend’s elaborate surprise setup, filled with rose petals, heart-shaped decor and a chalkboard declaring, “Happy Birthday I love you.” Bailey reposted the setup first revealed by her girlfriend on his Instagram story and added a warm, gratitude-filled message. He wrote:
“Thank you my love ❤️❤️.”
The couple has kept their relationships under wraps. However, from the little hints, it seems the two have known each other since their high school days, with photo-ops of the couple in matching outfits, gray hoodies and jeans, from that time.
The relationship went public after Mariyah reposted an Instagram video in which she does a questionnaire regarding her NBA boyfriend, which later proved to be Jazz’s fifth pick this year, Ace Bailey.
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Also Read: Ace Bailey Scouting Report: Tremendous Rutgers Scorer Draws Comparison to Future HOF’er
All about Ace Bailey’s draft day drama
Much was made about Ace Bailey not wanting to go to the Utah Jazz, who picked him at No. 5, though he was initially projected to go a bit higher. The Jazz weren’t among his preferred landing spots, and he also didn’t work out with them.
However, Bailey finally broke the silence that the rumors were overstated.
“I can control what I can control,” Bailey said via ESPN. “They feel how they feel. But my team and me, me focusing on basketball and them doing what they’re doing, so it happens.”
Even at his introductory press conference, Bailey shut down talk of a reluctance to report to the Jazz. He said:
“No. Not at all. Just blessed to be in the position I am. Not a lot of people can sit in these chairs, and have great teammates who came on with me. So, I’m just blessed to be here.”
On July 2, the Jazz officially signed Ace Bailey along with fellow draftee Walter Clayton Jr., formalizing their rookie contracts. Bailey has also made his Summer League debut amid high expectations and looks all set to take the NBA by storm in his rookie season.
Also Read: Draymond Green Highlighted ‘Question Marks’ on Ace Bailey’s Character Following Utah Move
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