The wait is over. Ace Bailey, the crown jewel of Rutgers’ 2024 recruiting class, made his long-anticipated college debut on Friday night. And boy, did he deliver. The freshman sensation dropped 17 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and helped lead the No. 24 Scarlet Knights to a 98-81 victory over Monmouth.
A Star is Born
From the moment he stepped on the court, Bailey looked like a man among boys. The 6’6″ guard, who missed the first two games with an undisclosed “basketball injury,” announced his arrival by draining a corner three for the game’s opening basket. And he was just getting started.
Throughout the contest, Bailey showcased the elite scoring ability and versatility that made him the No. 2 ranked prospect in his class. He fearlessly attacked the basket, finishing through contact and above the rim. His silky-smooth jumper was on full display, as he connected from deep and from the mid-range. Perhaps most impressive was his poise and maturity, as he never looked rattled by the spotlight or the competition.
Ace is a special talent. He can score at all three levels and has a great feel for the game. The scary thing is, he’s only going to get better. The sky’s the limit for that kid.
– Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell
Supporting Cast Shines
While Bailey stole the show, he had plenty of help from his teammates. Fellow freshman Dylan Harper, who has scored 20+ points in each of his first three games, continued his torrid start with a team-high 20 points. The sharpshooting guard, who comes from basketball royalty as the younger brother of NBA star Ron Harper Jr., also chipped in 5 rebounds and 6 assists.
Transfer addition Zach Martini, a 6’7″ forward from Colorado State, made a statement with 18 points off the bench. His energy and versatility provide a major spark for the Scarlet Knights. Returning starter Lathan Sommerville had a workmanlike 10 points and 7 boards.
Making History
Bailey’s 17-point outburst was historic on several fronts. He became the first Rutgers freshman to score 15+ points in his debut since Quincy Douby in 2003. His 6 rebounds were the most by a debuting Scarlet Knight since current NBA star Eugene Omoruyi in 2016.
More than just the numbers, though, was the way Bailey energized the RAC crowd and his team with his dynamic play. His touchdown pass to Harper for a fast-break dunk nearly blew the roof off the building.
A New Era
Bailey’s commitment to Rutgers back in January 2023 was a watershed moment for the program. Never before had they secured such a high-profile recruit. His signing, along with Harper and several other blue-chippers, ushered in a new era of Scarlet Knights basketball – one with heightened expectations and national relevance.
While it would be unwise to overreact to one game against a mid-major foe like Monmouth, it’s hard not to be giddy about Bailey’s potential. If this is his floor, one can only imagine what his ceiling might look like. Alongside Harper and a talented supporting cast, Rutgers looks poised to make some serious noise in the Big Ten and beyond.
I’m just excited to be out there with my brothers. A lot of hard work went into this moment. But we have big goals as a team, so this is only the beginning.
– Ace Bailey on his Rutgers debut
Bailey and the 24th-ranked Scarlet Knights will look to keep the momentum going when they host DePaul on Tuesday. If the freshman phenom’s debut was any indication, Rutgers fans are in for a treat this season. The Ace Bailey era is officially underway, and the college basketball world is on notice.
