Brendan Bailey, Son Of Former Jazz Forward Thurl, To Forgo Two Years Of Eligibility, Pursue Pro Career

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Marquette Golden Eagles forward Brendan Bailey, son of former Utah Jazz forward Thurl Bailey, announced his decision to forgo his final two years of collegiate eligibility and pursue a professional basketball career.

In April, the former American Fork High School product entered his name into the pool of players for the 2020 NBA Draft.

On Friday, May 22, the Marquette sophomore made the decision to leave the Golden Eagles program for good.

“These past two years at Marquette have been incredible. I would like to say thank you to my coaches, teammates and the entire Marquette community.  You have helped me in so many ways and have given me two of the best years of my life,” Bailey said in a Marquette basketball statement. “After counseling with my family, I have decided to forgo my junior and senior years and pursue a career in professional basketball. This has always been a dream of mine and Marquette has helped prepare me to make this dream a reality.  Thank you Marquette, you will always have a special place in my heart.”

#mubb @brendanbailey35 to pursue pro career. "“This has always been a dream of mine and Marquette has helped prepare me to make this dream a reality. Thank you Marquette, you will always have a special place in my heart.” RELEASE: https://t.co/sA17eq6bd8 pic.twitter.com/TDdco8DQHn

— Marquette Basketball (@MarquetteMBB) May 22, 2020

Bailey’s coach at Marquette wished the sophomore well on his decision.

“We wish Brendan the best of luck and are supportive of his decision to take the next step in his basketball career to the professional level,” said Marquette men’s basketball head coach Steve Wojciechowski. “We are thankful for his contributions to our program the last two seasons and will do all we can to assist him with the process.  His best basketball is ahead of him and we can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next.”

HS hoops invading the Marriott Center as Frank Jackson and Lone Peak take on Brendan Bailey and American Fork pic.twitter.com/1vnjEZCaYy

— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) January 17, 2015

Bailey joined Marquette in 2018-19 after completing a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The aspiring pro appeared in 64 games for the Golden Eagles during his two seasons in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Freshman Brendan Bailey posts the first NCAA regular season points in @FiservForum history with a 3-pointer to kick things off. #WeAreMarquette pic.twitter.com/cjgRz8hSa4

— Marquette Basketball (@MarquetteMBB) November 7, 2018

Bailey averaged 5.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest.