Wasilla guard a star, on and off the court

For nearly 10 years Buddy Bailey has adorned local television sets as the pitchman for his family's furniture chain and evolved to become one of the top high school basketball players in the state.

With his local celebrity status, Bailey may be perceived as merely an ego with a jumpshot. Any of Bailey's friends, teammates and coaches will tell you different.

"Buddy is completely different from how people perceive him," said Jason Marvel, Bailey's coach at Wasilla High School. "He's an all-around good kid."

Marvel and Bailey have only been a part of the same program for a year, but according to the Wasilla mentor, he was immediately impressed with Bailey. And not just Bailey's physical abilities, but his character.

"He would just love to come in and talk about ideas," Marvel said.

Bailey made his television debut nearly 10 years ago as an 8-year-old Anchorage kid. His father had just opened the first Bailey's Furniture Store and the Anchorage Fox affiliate was highlighting Bailey's on a segment of their "Spotlight on new businesses" feature. While filming the merchandise in the store, the camera crew noted that the feature would look more lifelike if someone was with the furniture. The young Bailey immediately jumped in front of the camera and the rest in history. Since that day Bailey has been one of the most recognized television salesman in Southcentral Alaska, rivaling Cal Worthington and his dog Spot and the guy from the Chrysler-Dodge

commercials.

Though there have been many Bailey's Furniture ads, the spots have been somewhat uniform with Buddy dribbling his basketball and offering Alaska a deal on a new living room set.

On the court, however, Bailey has also become one of the most recognized players in the state. Aside from 7-foot Warrior teammate Ray Schafer, Bailey is the most easily talented high school hoops players in the state.

While in many cases it is good to be recognized, fans of opposing schools are often merciless when heckling Bailey.

"It is pretty small in the scheme of things," Bailey said.

The Wasilla senior has been the subject of chants and posters, often containing colorful language. "Sadlers is better" signs are common at Bailey's games.

According to Bailey, the heckling started and the signs began to appear during his sophomore season with Anchorage Christian School. Early in his career Bailey missed shots down the stretch after being distracted by the loud and lewd crowds, but it is something he has learned to overcome.

"I have learned to block it out," Bailey said. "It doesn't really bother me anymore."

Bailey's ability to block distraction was tested during the final weekend of the regular season. In the final seconds against Colony at Colony High School, Bailey was sent to the free throw line. With Wasilla holding just a two-point lead, a pair of Bailey free throws would seal the victory for Wasilla and keep their undefeated region record in tact. As soon as Bailey stepped toward the line, the Colony patrons unveiled a massive banner with a crude rhyme and demonstrated their attempt to be witty with a variety of chants.

Bailey hit both free throws and Wasilla was victorious.

Bailey began his basketball career in the second grade, following in a family tradition. His father played in the local adult leagues as Bailey grew up and Bailey's sister, Veronica, was a standout for ACS, setting numerous records with the Lions, before transferring to Dimond for her senior year.

"Basketball has always been my love, my passion," Bailey said. "My dad was a big influence on me. I used to watch him play and he taught us to shoot."

Bailey spent his first three years with ACS, before making the move to Wasilla. Before the end of his tenure at ACS, Bailey became one of the top players on the 3A level.

Following his junior season, Bailey's family decided to make the move to the Valley.

"My dad started looking for a house last year and we finally found one in July," Bailey said.

Knowing that he would become a Mat-Su resident, Bailey needed to decide where he would enroll in school and play basketball during his senior campaign. At the time he was choosing a new school, Bailey was playing basketball regularly with Ray Schafer and his younger brother Luke. Bailey and the Schafer brothers played together all summer and traveled to camps in California and Las Vegas. Bailey's new friendship with the Schafer brothers led to his decision to attend Wasilla High.

"They are fun guys to be around," Bailey said. "They are two of the nicest guys I have met in my life."

While the transition to the 4A level was tough, the biggest change Bailey said was going from a private Christian school to a public school.

"That was the tougher part," Bailey said. "There is not the Christian influence. I had to pray about it a lot and prepare spiritually."

Despite the great change, Bailey said he has no regrets.

"It was a good decision." Bailey said.

Despite the move to Wasilla, Bailey said it has not altered his spirituality and he is still a regular at the Anchorage Baptist Temple. According to Bailey, basketball is still a passion, but not always the main priority. Bailey cited his spirituality and the work with his church as two of the most important aspects in his life.

This weekend Bailey is trying to help lead the Warriors to the state basketball championship and it most likely will not be his last hurrah on the hardwood.

Bailey, a legitimate Division I caliber player, has several schools interested in his services including Weber State, Gonzaga and Montana State.