'Proud Of U Kiddd': Ace Bailey Reacts To Dylan Harper’s Departure In Rutgers

!,” Harper’s Instagram caption read.

Bailey took to the comments section to praise his fellow star.

“Proud of u kiddddd

,” Bailey commented.

Harper, a 6’6″ point guard, had an outstanding season, averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He broke Rutgers’ freshman scoring record and finished as the fifth-best scorer in the Big Ten, despite battling an ankle injury and illness mid-season.

Harper is widely projected as the No. 2 pick in the draft, just behind Duke’s Cooper Flagg. His size, skill set, and basketball IQ make him a highly coveted prospect.

Ace Bailey had an impressive 2024–2025 season as a freshman with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. He averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, while shooting 46.0% from the field. Bailey showcased his scoring ability with a career-high 39 points against Indiana in January, where he also contributed 8 rebounds and 4 blocks. His defensive presence was notable, leading the team in both rebounds and blocks per game.

Will Ace Bailey Be a Top Pick for The 2025 NBA Draft?

Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey, despite only spending a short time in college so far, has always been on the list of top projected picks for the NBA Draft.

Bailey is consistently projected as a top-5 pick in recent NBA mock drafts for the 2025 draft. His standout attributes include his size, athleticism, and scoring ability, making him one of the most intriguing prospects. Standing at 6’10”, Bailey has a 7-foot wingspan and excels as a versatile wing player.

His ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with smooth shooting mechanics and advanced footwork, has drawn comparisons to players like Michael Porter Jr. and Rudy Gay.

Ace Bailey is eligible for the 2025 NBA Draft because he meets the league’s requirements for draft eligibility. As a freshman at Rutgers during the 2024–2025 season, Bailey will turn 19 years old before the draft and will have completed one year of college basketball. These criteria align with the NBA’s rules, which state that players must be at least 19 years old and one year removed from high school graduation to declare for the draft.