Rising Stars Face Challenges: Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper’s Journey at Rutgers
Two names in college basketball have been making waves: Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. These Rutgers Scarlet Knights freshmen have been turning heads and generating buzz as potential top picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, recent games have shown that even the brightest stars face hurdles on their path to greatness.
The Dynamic Duo
Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey have quickly become the talk of the town, showcasing their skills on the court and camaraderie off it. In a recent interview with Taylor Rooks, Harper couldn’t help but praise his teammate Bailey.
“He’s everything an NBA team would want,” Harper enthused, highlighting Bailey’s work ethic and character. “He’d do all the right things. Be the first one to the gym, last out, late night, early morning.”
This mutual respect and admiration between the two players have only added to their appeal as future NBA prospects.
Bailey’s Promising Start and Recent Struggles
The 6’10” forward Ace Bailey started the season with a bang. In his first three games after returning from an injury, Bailey averaged an impressive 19.0 points and 5.7 assists per game, shooting 47.6% from the field and a remarkable 41.2% from beyond the arc.
However, recent games have shown that even top prospects can hit rough patches. In a narrow victory against Notre Dame, Bailey managed only 10 points on 4-for-12 shooting. This performance came from a challenging game against Kennesaw State, where he shot 6 for 17.
Areas for Improvement
While Bailey’s talent is undeniable, scouts have identified areas where he needs to improve:
- Playmaking: In four complete games, Bailey has recorded only two assists.
- Scoring at the rim: Only 23% of his total points have come at the rim, with just two points from self-created dribble moves.
- Consistency: Back-to-back subpar shooting performances have raised some eyebrows.
Despite these challenges, it’s important to remember that Bailey is only 18. He has ample time to refine his skills and address these areas of concern.
The Cooper Flagg Factor
While Bailey and Harper are making waves at Rutgers, they’re not the only stars in the 2025 Draft conversation. At Duke, Cooper Flagg is widely considered a lock for the top pick.
When asked about Flagg, both Bailey and Harper had nothing but praise for their rival. Bailey commended Flagg’s vision and versatility, while Harper highlighted his motor and grit.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Bailey and Harper as they face tougher competition. Their upcoming game against 9th-ranked Alabama will be a test of their mettle.
Despite recent struggles, Bailey and Harper possess the talent and work ethic to succeed at the highest level. As Harper said, “He’s everything I think an NBA team would want.”
The road to the NBA is never smooth, but for Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, every challenge is an opportunity to grow and prove their worth as future game stars.