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With each passing week of the college basketball season, whispers of an underdog are growing louder in the Big Ten. Rutgers, a program often overshadowed by its conference rivals, has become the talk of the town. Thanks to two electrifying freshmen, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, their remarkable talent and fearless play have not only rejuvenated the Scarlet Knights but also made it seem like they could be the ones to disrupt this year’s March Madness. Fans and scouts alike can’t help but wonder: Could this dynamic duo be the key to toppling the sport’s elite?

Harper and Bailey arrived at Rutgers as two of the most highly-touted recruits in the nation, ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in the 2024 class, respectively. With a combined NIL value of $3.3 million, their impact is clear, making them one of the most lucrative duos in college basketball history. But their value isn’t just measured in dollars. Their presence on the court has electrified fans and has significantly elevated Rutgers’ reputation, proving their influence extends far beyond the financial.

Both the players bring a set of skills to the team that is different than the other. As a 6’6” guard, Harper is a playmaker and scorer, while Bailey the 6’10” forward adds versatility and scoring touch. Together they have made the Scarlet Knights an offensive juggernaut.

Harper and Bailey have proven worthy of the hype since their first games, leading Rutgers’ offense and turning around a program previously defined by its defense. The pair is providing staggering 40.2 points per game combined, more than half of Rutgers entire scoring thus far.

Dylan Harper leads the team in scoring with 21.1 points and 4.5 assists per game. He’s complimented really well by Bailey, who puts up 19.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while dominating the paint and stretching the floor. Not only have their efforts improved Rutgers’ competitiveness, they’ve brought new excitement to the Big Ten Conference.

However, their contributions extend beyond the stat sheet. As Mike Latulip, on the Field of 68: After Dark podcast, expressed the excitement that the duo bring to the court, “Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey have a real chance to play major metric spoiler for Big Ten teams down the stretch. I mean, think about those two dudes on the floor. Rutgers will likely be out of contention for the NCAA tournament.” Despite Rutgers’ inconsistency this season, Harper and Bailey’s standout performances have positioned them as potential giant-slayers. “I hope they figure it out and turn things around, but that team playing spoiler is significant. When you have players like Harper and Bailey going up against really good teams in the Big Ten, it’s a scary thought for teams with Big Ten title hopes. Down the stretch, having Rutgers on your schedule could be a challenge.” He continued.

Harper’s ability to shift the momentum of games with his explosive scoring, like his 36 vs Notre Dame or his 37 vs Alabama has been on point. And Bailey, too, has shown the ability to take over, as evidenced by his career best 34 points in a hard fought battle against Indiana. Their ability to create mismatches against established teams adds to the intrigue. As Alabama coach Nate Oats remarked, “If they play like they did tonight, they’re one of the best teams in the country. They’ve got two of the most talented players, regardless of class.”

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But there are challenges to that potential. Consistency is something Rutgers has not been able to find as of yet. As they currently sit at 10-8 overall, and 3-4 in Big Ten play. The team’s inability to take advantage of Harper and Bailey ‘s brilliance, however, has been hampered by defensive lapses and lack of support from role players.

As of now NBA scouts are keeping a close eye on Harper and Bailey’s performances. The two players are ranked as the top two draft prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft. With Cooper Flagg currently being the No. 1 pick. Still, the presence of Harper’s offensive skill set and Bailey’s versatility could see them challenge his place as the No. 1 pick in the remainder of the season.

Comparison: Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey vs. Cooper Flagg

It is clear that Harper, Bailey, and Flagg each bring distinct strengths to the table. Duke’s Cooper Flagg is recognized for his all-around team success and exceptional two-way play, contributing to the Blue Devils’ impressive 15-2 record. In contrast, Harper and Bailey are more offensively focused, with NBA executives praising Harper’s scoring ability, which has the potential to elevate struggling teams. While concerns about decision-making remain, Bailey’s versatility as a scorer adds an extra dimension to the duo’s offensive firepower.

With each passing day the race for the top draft pick becomes more fluid. Flagg is leading at this moment, mostly because of his skill set as a well rounded player. But Harper and Bailey will both have a strong case in the remaining matchups.

Harper and Bailey have breathed new life into Rutgers basketball, demonstrating how individual brilliance can turn a team around. It’s a challenge, for sure, but this dynamic duo has the talent to overachieve and upset any established program. With March Madness on the horizon, their potential remains high. The Scarlet Knights, with Harper and Bailey leading the way, are a team to watch for both fans and opponents alike.

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