The Rutgers men’s basketball program is buzzing with excitement and anticipation heading into the 2024-25 season. Why? The arrival of not one, but two projected top-5 picks in the 2025 NBA Draft – freshman phenoms Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. The dynamic duo has ignited dreams of a historically great season in Piscataway.
“Dylan and Ace can do things that normal people don’t do,” Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell told ESPN. “Then we have guys around them that can do some things. So if we can put it all together, we’re pretty exciting, I think.“
Changing the Perception of Rutgers Basketball
Landing two elite recruits of Bailey and Harper’s caliber is uncharted territory for Rutgers basketball. The program has struggled to consistently attract top talent, with only six total top-100 prospects signing since 2007. The commitment of Bailey, ranked #2 in the 2024 class, sent shockwaves through the college hoops world.
His decision played a key role in swaying Harper, the younger brother of Rutgers legend Ron Harper Jr., to join him in New Jersey. “When Ace committed, it was like, dang, he’s coming here,” Harper said. “He’s from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and he believes in the program. Why shouldn’t I?“
Their goal? To make Rutgers basketball “cool” and change the perception of the program. “Why can’t another recruit come and do the same thing we’re doing … changing the culture and just making Rutgers cool,” Harper stated.
Building a Supporting Cast
Coach Pikiell’s challenge was to assemble the right pieces around his two young stars to maximize their impact. He used Bailey and Harper as the centerpiece of his recruiting pitch to potential transfers, selling them on the opportunity to play with and against NBA-level talent on a daily basis.
The results speak for themselves. Rutgers added four veteran transfers, including reigning NEC Player of the Year Jordan Derkack, to complement a core of three returning players led by leading scorer Jeremiah Williams.
For Ace, the first days we started playing, I got some of those ‘Oh s—‘ moments pretty often from him.
Jeremiah Williams on practicing with Ace Bailey
A Season of Uncertainty and Opportunity
The start of the season has been a mixed bag for Rutgers. Four comfortable home wins over mid-major opponents showcased the team’s potential, with Bailey and Harper leading the way. But a stunning upset loss on the road to Kennesaw State served as a harsh reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball.
Now, the Scarlet Knights face a defining stretch against high-level competition at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, including matchups with Notre Dame and Alabama, followed by a conference-opening trip to Ohio State. How they respond will speak volumes.
The pressure is immense, but so is the opportunity. With Bailey and Harper at the controls and a strong supporting cast, Rutgers has the talent to not only reach the NCAA Tournament, but make some serious noise.
Coach Pikiell’s office features three glass display cases – one for each of Rutgers’ goals: an NCAA Tournament appearance (achieved in 2021), a Final Four, and a national title. Thanks to the arrival of two transcendent freshmen, those long-empty spaces may finally house some new mementos soon.
We’re blessed to have them here for a year. And we smile a lot more.
Coach Steve Pikiell on Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper
The pieces are in place. The expectations are soaring. The college basketball world is watching. Can Bailey, Harper, and the Scarlet Knights deliver a season for the ages? Buckle up, it’s going to be a thrilling ride in Piscataway.
