For the love of God, please, someone show Ace Bailey a diner.
The 6-foot-10 freshman had a joy-filled press conference after dropping 23 points (on 9-of-15 shooting) and 10 boards in Rutgers’ 73-64 win over Merrimack. He’s still adjusting to Piscataway, New Jersey, in more ways than one, but he looks quite comfortable on the court.
Off of it? Someone needs to show him the ropes when it comes to food.
When asked about his adjustment to life up north, the consensus five-star prospect, originally from Georgia, said he is experiencing the classic Waffle House withdrawal that any true Southerner would understand.
Moving from Georgia to New Jersey is a culture shock, and Bailey was shocked to find out there wasn’t a Waffle House in sight. For those familiar with the Southern food scene, spots like Waffle House and Cookout are cultural institutions—a staple for late-night comfort food, whether it be after practice or a late night out.
But in New Jersey, those options are nonexistent.
And it sounds like Bailey wasn’t ready for just how different the food would be.
“I be looking for Waffle House,” he said via Erik Slater. “We be getting hungry late nights after the gym. Y’all ain’t got no Waffle House!”
Ace Bailey on moving to New Jersey from Georgia:
“I be looking for Waffle House. We be getting hungry late nights after the gym. Y’all ain’t got no Waffle House!”
😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/F8j5DJwufg
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) November 21, 2024
But New Jersey does have some diners.
A lot of them, in fact.
And someone needs to introduce Bailey to a diner or two.
As a Charlotte native who attended Temple University (Go Owls!), I can empathize with Bailey. The only sweet tea in Philadelphia was at our two on-campus Chick-fil-A’s. Not having a Waffle House within your campus’ radius is a true crime itself, but the Northeast diner culture sincerely makes up for it.
As for the ambiance? There’s no replicating that.
A few late-night trips to Jersey diners might be all it takes to make Bailey feel right at home.
“It be totally different, though,” he said. “But, I’m adapting to it.”
[Erik Slater]
