Rutgers star Ace Bailey raised eyebrows when he canceled his workout with the team that was likeliest to draft him, the Philadelphia 76ers. He has so far also reportedly refused to meet with them, even though he has not yet visited other teams. While many are scratching their heads why, there are reports that his agent, Omar Cooper, may be behind these decisions.
Cooper’s decisions have reportedly “rubbed a lot of people the wrong way,” according to Fox Sports, as he, a possible No. 3 pick, has refused to work out with the team that is possibly drafting him, as well as any other team that comes after. This raises the question: who is Omar Cooper?
Cooper is the C.E.O and founder of LifeStyle Sports Agency. In addition, he is also the owner of the LifeStyle Sports Bistro and the father of former NBA player Sharife Cooper and former WNBA player Te’a Cooper.
With his LifeStyle Sports Agency, he represents several players at the collegiate level, with the most high-profile among them being Ace Bailey. His agency also represents Rutgers transferee Tariq Francis, as well as McNeese stars Alyn Breed and Omar Cooper Jr. He also represents Rutgers star Jamichael Davis, along with several football stars like Jermaine Kinsler and Elijah Kinsler.
Ace Bailey will be Omar Cooper’s highest-ranked client so far, as he has the potential to go after Cooper Flagg (No. 1) and Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper (No. 2). Despite this potential to have his client get the best opportunity with Philadelphia, teams have remained baffled with Cooper and Bailey’s actions regarding the draft.
Ace Bailey and Omar Cooper’s Camp Reveal Reason Why They Are Not Talking to Other Teams
As for the reason why Ace Bailey and Omar Cooper’s camp have so far refused to talk to any other team and canceling on the 76ers’ private practice session, they have been upfront about the reason why.
The Bailey camp has reportedly been telling teams that they believe he is a “top-three player in the draft” but also wants him to be drafted by a team that is willing to give him a lot of playing time from the start. His camp also argues that should the 76ers not draft him at No, 3 or the Charlotte Hornets at No. 4, they believe other teams would be more aggressive in trying to trade up for the Rutgers star.
Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game for Rutgers, and he did this while sharing the spotlight with potential No. 2 draft pick Dylan Harper, the son of former Michael Jordan teammate Ron Harper.
Related: ‘Scored on a Ref’ — No One Can Guard Rutgers’ Ace Bailey, Not Even the Referees
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