The most popular basketball jersey worn around Chattanooga in 2026 is the No. 19 purple jersey for the Utah Jazz.
At just 20 years old, Ace Bailey has already emerged as a hometown favorite, captivating fans with 79 dunks during a standout rookie season after he was selected fifth overall in the 2025 NBA draft.
Bailey showcased his power off the court Saturday when he hosted a free youth basketball camp sponsored by Nike at East Hamilton for over 300 basketball players from grades 3-12.
The 6-foot-9 Bailey even mixed in with the campers as he took alley-oop passes from them and ended the camp with tomahawk slams in runs against the high schoolers at a capacity-filled camp that lasted from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“I come back home a few times a year, and when I do, Chattanooga shows me nothing but love,” said Bailey, who is signed to a four-year, $41,209,782 contract with the Jazz through the 2028-29 season. “This city gave me the foundation to be great. I will forever love this place and come back every year to give back.