Rutgers Basketball: The Arrival of Harper and Bailey Sparks Unprecedented Hype
The arrival of Dylan Harper and Airious “Ace” Bailey has transformed the landscape of Rutgers basketball. The program, once a longshot in the competitive Big Ten, is now a national story, with the potential for a preseason top-25 ranking and a level of hype rarely seen in New Jersey.
NBA scouts are flocking to Jersey Mike’s Arena to witness the two five-star prospects, projected one-and-done lottery picks. This influx of attention comes with pressure and high expectations, a new territory for ninth-year head coach Steve Pikiell.
“From Day 1, the first year I got here, I’ve been trying to win a national championship,” Pikiell said at the school’s media day. “Expectations? Bring ’em on. We’ve always had high expectations.”
Pikiell has already achieved a series of firsts at Rutgers, including the school’s first NCAA Tournament berth and win in 30 years back in 2021. However, coaching two players like Bailey and Harper, ranked second and third in the country among high school seniors by 247Sports.com, is a different beast entirely.
“They’re not sleepers, that’s for sure,” Pikiell said jokingly. “What you saw is they’re elite passers, they’re great kids from great families. Thankful that they’re here. … They’re really talented players, but they work. They’re good workers and they’re good teammates.”
Duquesne transfer guard Tyson Acuff echoed the sentiment: “Every day they amaze me. From shotmaking to dunks to communicating to playing defense — everything. They’re really talented people.”
Despite the individual accolades, both Harper and Bailey insist the focus is on the team. They emphasized that their success relies on the collective effort of the entire Rutgers roster.
“At the end of the day, you’re not going to remember stats and stuff like that,” said the 6-foot-6 Harper. “You’re going to remember wins and losses, what team did this and what team did that. Just knowing, you can’t win alone, you have to win with a whole group of guys.”
Pikiell has assembled a supporting cast around the duo, bringing in experienced transfers like Princeton forward Zach Martini, San Diego sharpshooter PJ Hayes IV, and Merrimack guard Jordan Derkack, the reigning NEC Player and Defensive Player of the Year. He also retained talented guards Jamichael Davis and Jeremiah Williams.
The result is a buzz throughout Piscataway. The entire season has been sold out for months, with fans dreaming big.
“We’ve got Final Four plans, we’ve got Big 10 championship goals,” Martini said. “We’re going to work hard every day to reach those goals.”
Harper and Bailey’s presence has instilled a belief in Rutgers and its fans that anything is possible. The two, who have been close friends for years, are excited to finally play together on the court. Harper, who watched his older brother Ron Jr. excel under Pikiell, sees this as his chance to make history.
“It’s surreal,” Harper said. “The guys who came before us, that team with Ron [Harper Jr.], Geo Baker, Caleb McConnell, Cliff [Omoruyi], Mawot [Mag], I always had the look in my eye, like I want to be there one day. I want to be on the court and play. Now having the opportunity to play and knowing I can make something happen here and something great for Rutgers nation, is special.”