In a surprising twist, Rutgers University has emerged as a hotspot for NBA scouts alongside perennial powerhouse Duke University. The 2025 NBA draft is shaping up to be a showdown between these two basketball programs, each boasting multiple high-profile prospects expected to be lottery picks.
Rutgers’ Dynamic Duo
Leading the charge for Rutgers are freshmen sensations Airious “Ace” Bailey and Dylan Harper. Bailey, a 6-foot-9 forward with explosive athleticism and scoring prowess, is projected as the No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft. Harper, a skilled 6-foot-5 playmaking guard and the younger brother of NBA player Ron Harper Jr., is close behind at No. 3 in the rankings.
The arrival of Bailey and Harper has transformed Rutgers into a must-see destination for NBA teams. Scouts are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to evaluate these potential franchise cornerstones as they showcase their abilities in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference.
Duke’s Freshman Phenom
Not to be outdone, Duke once again has the presumptive No. 1 pick in Cooper Flagg. The versatile 6-foot-8 wing is already drawing comparisons to NBA stars with his defensive prowess, passing ability, and perimeter shooting. Flagg headlines a loaded Duke freshman class that features five other potential first-round picks.
“Flagg is the type of prospect that every NBA team dreams of building around,” said a scout from a Western Conference team. “His all-around skill set and basketball IQ are off the charts for a player his age.”
While Flagg is the headliner, fellow Duke freshman Kon Knueppel is also generating significant buzz. The 7-foot center from Germany has showcased an intriguing blend of size, mobility, and touch that has scouts salivating over his long-term potential.
A New Frontier for Rutgers
The success of Bailey and Harper could mark a turning point for Rutgers basketball. The program has only had three players drafted in the first round in its history, with the most recent being Geo Baker in 2022. Landing two potential top-five picks would be an unprecedented achievement.
“Rutgers has done a tremendous job recruiting and developing talent in recent years,” said an Eastern Conference executive. “If Bailey and Harper live up to the hype, it could elevate the program to new heights and make them a consistent pipeline to the NBA.”
The Road Ahead
As the 2024-25 college basketball season unfolds, all eyes will be on Rutgers and Duke. NBA teams will closely monitor the progress of Bailey, Harper, Flagg, and the rest of the top prospects as they jockey for position in the draft lottery.
- Can Bailey and Harper lead Rutgers to new heights in the Big Ten?
- Will Flagg cement his status as the clear No. 1 pick?
- Which other players will emerge as potential first-round sleepers?
These questions and more will be answered in the coming months, setting the stage for what promises to be a fascinating and unpredictable 2025 NBA draft. One thing is certain: the battle between Rutgers and Duke for draft supremacy will be a storyline to watch.
