The stage was set for a primetime showdown in Las Vegas as the Rutgers Scarlet Knights took on the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide in the Players Era Festival. And while Rutgers ultimately fell short in a 95-90 loss, it was the dazzling performance of freshman phenoms Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey that had everyone buzzing, including Alabama head coach Nate Oats.
Harper and Bailey Shine on Big Stage
Harper, a 6-foot-6 guard, put on an absolute clinic, pouring in a career-high 37 points on 11-of-19 shooting from the field and an impressive 15-of-16 from the free throw line. The son of former NBA star Ron Harper Sr, who watched courtside, became the first Big Ten freshman in the past 20 seasons to score 94 points over a three-game span. He also made history as the first Division I freshman over that period to post back-to-back games of 35 or more points.
Not to be outdone, the 6-foot-10 Bailey showcased his immense potential as well, finishing with 22 points on 9-of-18 shooting. His high-arching jumpers seemed unblockable at times and he brought the Rutgers faithful to their feet with a thunderous dunk to finish a first-half fast break.
“[Harper] pretty much gets to the rim whenever he wants,” Oats said after the game. “We didn’t have anybody that could stay in front of him on ball screens. He’s got some force, some physicality, some strength coming down the hill.”
– Nate Oats, Alabama Head Coach
Oats Heaps Praise
Oats, who has coached several one-and-done freshmen turned NBA first-round draft picks during his tenure at Alabama, including Brandon Miller (No. 2 pick in 2023), was effusive in his praise of Rutgers’ dynamic duo. He said he believes Harper and Bailey belong in the elite freshman conversation.
“[Bailey is] the best midrange shot-maker I’ve seen,” Oats gushed. “He just kind of rises up over guys. The floaters with the touch, he’s tough. If you don’t have size on him, he’s going to cause some problems.”
– Nate Oats
Tough Tests Will Help Rutgers Grow
Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell acknowledged the loss stings but believes battling elite competition like Alabama early in the season will pay dividends down the road for his talented but inexperienced squad.
“I think it’s like anything, the journey,” Pikiell said. “You grow through your seasons and you grow through the games. This is as talented a team as we’re probably going to face. It’s definitely the deepest team.”
– Steve Pikiell, Rutgers Head Coach
Harper echoed his coach’s sentiments, choosing to focus on the big picture after the hard-fought loss.
“I think we just showed that we can compete with anyone in the country,” Harper said. “I mean, obviously we fell short, but I feel like as a team, sometimes you have to fall short in order to have the season you want to have.”
– Dylan Harper
Scary Sight for Rest of College Hoops
If Harper and Bailey maintain this level of play, Rutgers will be a scary matchup for any team they face. Oats certainly came away impressed, even in victory.
“If they play like they did tonight, they’re one of the best teams in the country,” Oats declared. “They’ve got two of the most talented players, regardless of class.”
– Nate Oats
While moral victories don’t show up in the win column, Rutgers’ performance in Las Vegas proved this team has the talent to make some serious noise in March. With Harper and Bailey leading the charge and Pikiell pushing the right buttons, the Scarlet Knights look poised to reach new heights and become a force to be reckoned with, not just in the Big Ten, but on the national stage as well.
