Freshman wing Ace Bailey, a candidate for the first overall selection in June’s NBA Draft, will miss tonight’s opener against Wagner due to an injury suffered during practice on Monday, the program announced.

Bailey’s status is day-to-day and his injury, the nature of which is not being disclosed, will continue to be evaluated. Rutgers’ next game is next Monday, November 11 against Saint Peter’s.

The 6-foot-10 Georgia native shined in his collegiate debut, scoring 25 points in a 91-85 exhibition loss to St. John’s. His absence means at least 30 extra minutes for his teammates and should lead to bigger roles for Princeton transfer forward Zach Martini, Merrimack transfer wing Jordan Derkack and San Diego transfer wing PJ Hayes, all of whom have impressed head coach Steve Pikiell during the preseason. .