Rutgers Basketball Ready for the Spotlight with Harper and Bailey
The arrival of Dylan Harper and Airious “Ace” Bailey has injected a new level of excitement into Rutgers basketball. The program, once a perennial underdog, is now poised for a major leap, with the potential for a preseason top-25 ranking and a buzz rarely seen in New Jersey.
NBA scouts will be flocking to Jersey Mike’s Arena to witness the two five-star prospects, both projected as one-and-done lottery picks. This influx of attention brings with it a wave of pressure and expectations, something that Head Coach Steve Pikiell embraces.
“From Day 1, the first year I got here, I’ve been trying to win a national championship,” Pikiell declared on Tuesday during the school’s media day. “Expectations? Bring ’em on. We’ve always had high expectations.”
Pikiell has already achieved historical milestones at Rutgers, notably guiding the program to its first NCAA Tournament berth and win in 30 years back in 2021. Yet, this season presents a new challenge, coaching two players of the caliber of Bailey and Harper.
Ranked second and third in the country among high school seniors by 247Sports.com, these two are viewed as future NBA stars. In a practice open to the media, they showcased their exceptional talent, effortlessly hitting long jumpers, driving to the basket, and finding open teammates.
Bailey, a sweet-shooting 6-foot-1o guard from Chattanooga, Tennessee, would be a strong contender for the top pick in next year’s NBA draft if not for Duke’s freshman sensation Cooper Flagg.
“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 added, “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 emphasized the importance of team unity. They dismissed questions about their individual performances, focusing instead on the collective success of the Rutgers program.
“At the end of the day, you’re not going to remember stats and stuff like that,” said the 6-foot-6 Harper, whose older brother Ron Jr. played for Pikiell from 2018-22. “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 strong supporting cast around the duo. He brought 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.
This formidable roster has ignited a wave of excitement in Piscataway. The entire season has been sold out for months.
“We’ve got Final Four plans, we’ve got Big 10 championship goals,” Martini declared. “We’re going to work hard every day to reach those goals.”
Harper and Bailey’s presence has Rutgers and its fans dreaming big. The two have been close friends for years, bonding during Bailey’s initial visit to Rutgers. Now, they’ll share the court for at least one season.
Harper, a native of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, is eager for this opportunity. He witnessed his older brother help Rutgers make a run to the Sweet 16 in 2021, and now he’s ready to make his own mark.
“It’s surreal,” Harper said. “The guys who came before us, that team with Ron, 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.”