Amari Bailey: Analysis on 5-star point guard heading to UCLA Bruins

Amari Bailey is the No. 8 player in the 2022 class and is ranked a five-star prospect by On3. Bailey is a 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard out of Chattsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon High School. Bailey committed to the UCLA Bruins in February and elected to not play AAU basketball this summer but still remains top 10 in his class.

Here’s why he’s one of the best in the country.

Analysis on Shaedon Sharpe I Analysis on Dariq Whitehead I Analysis on Dereck Lively II I Analysis on Chris Livingston

Amari Bailey Analysis

Explosive First Step – Amari Bailey is an extreme athlete. As a 6-foot-4 guard, he has the ability to jump off one or two feet on multiple defenders. He has an explosive first step that allows him to get into the paint, rise to the basket, and finish with his right or left hand.

Playmaker – Amari Bailey averaged 19.2 points and six assists for his loaded Sierra Canyon team, which also featured Nebraska commit Ramel Lloyd Jr. and four-star combo guard Bronny James.

Fearless Competitor – Amari Bailey is fearless when it comes to driving to the rim and taking big shots. On the defensive end, he wants to guard the best player on the floor. On his Sierra Canyon team, he would strike fear into his opponents. He is the ultimate competitor.

NBA comparison

-Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook

-Miami Heat guard Victor Olidipo

How he fits at UCLA

Amari Bailey has the “it” factor that coach Mick Cronin will want his best player to have. Johnny Juzang will enter the 2022 NBA draft and Bailey will be passed the crown. The potential Bailey has will take the Bruins to a deep tournament run and allow him to be a one-and-done.