Dylan Harper explains why Ace Bailey should be No. 1 pick in 2025 Draft: 'He is everything NBA team would want'

Originally posted on Basketball Network
By Bruno Rukavina | Last updated Nov 27, 2024 4:54 AM ET

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights picked up their first loss of the season in only their fifth game, falling to Kennesaw State 79-77. However, they bounced back with an 85-84 victory over Notre Dame, led by their young, promising duo that is still ranked highly on every NBA scout's big board for the 2025 Draft.

Harper praises Ace

Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey are predicted to be Top 5 prospects, and so far, they have fulfilled the expectations. The hyped-up duo seems close off the court as much as they do on the court, and that was evident best during their recent interview with Taylor Rooks.

Among other interesting topics, Rooks asked guard Harper why he thinks Bailey has a chance to go as the top pick in the next draft, even though Cooper Flagg is probably a lock to be selected first.

"I mean, I think everyone watches the shot creation, stuff like that, just the person he is off the court, you know, he's everything I think; he's everything an NBA team would want," the 6'6" freshman praised his teammate. "I mean, he'd do all the right things. He'd do all the right things. He's always on time, stuff like that. Be the first one to the gym, last one out, late night, early morning, stuff like that."

Harper didn't even finish his eulogy when Ace interrupted him, "Hey man, you'd be that right there with me, dude."

Ace Bailey vs Merrimack tonight..

23 PTS (9-15 FG, 2-4 3PT)
10 REBS
1 BLK

This is my first time saying this, this season so I Don’t wanna hear it.. but bro look like the #1 PICK RN… pic.twitter.com/cSoXSQJhJz
— Frankie Vision (@Frankie_Vision) November 21, 2024

Bailey vs. Flagg

The 6'10" Scarlet Knight played three games after returning from the injury that delayed his start of the season. In those three games, he showed terrific shot-making ability.

Bailey averages 19.0 points per game and 5.7 assists while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from three. He is still pretty raw and struggles with playmaking and consistency, but he has the tools to be the next big thing in the NBA—probably the biggest one out of Rutgers.

I don’t think Rutgers has ever had a player who can make a shot like this. Ever. pic.twitter.com/XGAwxYW31q
— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) November 21, 2024

Still, to be the top pick in the upcoming draft, you have to be a generational talent, and his rival for that spot is Flagg. Rooks asked Rutgers' freshmen what they think about Duke's forward, and they had nothing but praise for him.

"One thing, when we did play together in the USA, he got great vision. I mean, he can pass, he can shoot. He can do it all," Bailey commented.

"He said it, but his motor, I think, his motor is something that people really talk about. I mean, he's up and down constantly, everywhere on the floor, and just like, the grit he played with, just the chip on the shoulder he played with, is something very special that I don't think a lot of people have," Harper added.

Soon, Rutgers will finally play a ranked program. Their first meeting with a big-time team is on November 28th, when they will face No. 9-ranked Alabama. That will be the real test for their roster, led by an exciting young duo.

This article first appeared on Basketball Network and was syndicated with permission.

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