Duke megastar Cooper Flagg is widely expected to be the first name called at the 2025 NBA Draft. However, Rutgers head coach Steve Pikiell recently made an unexpected statement, expressing strong belief that his freshmen players, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, could challenge that top spot.
Pikiell has reason for his confidence. Bailey and Harper’s successful freshman seasons have garnered significant attention from NBA scouts, who have been impressed by their skills. Their performances have positioned them as strong contenders for the top picks in the upcoming draft.
Rutgers HC Steve Pikiell Suggests a Surprise First Overall Pick Instead of Cooper Flagg
Steve Pikiell raved about Bailey, calling him “the most versatile player in the draft.” At 6’10”, Bailey demonstrated the ability to play positions 1 through 4 during his freshman year, an exceptional skill for his age. Bailey also displayed impressive athleticism with a 40-inch vertical jump. NBA scouts are highly interested in his positional versatility.
Steve Pikiell on Ace Bailey:
“I think Ace is the most versatile player in the draft. I think he can play the 1,2, 3, and 4 at the NBA level. He’s young. I mean, he’s got a 40-inch vertical. He’s exciting.”@RutgersMBB https://t.co/w7NWG7czlR
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) April 25, 2025
During his freshman year, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, shooting 46.0% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range. His high school and college statistics prove his abilities, but his distinctive gameplay, combining handle, athleticism, and scoring ability from all three levels, truly stands out.
Dylan Harper, another outstanding freshman for Rutgers, also made significant contributions to his team. The freshman guard showed exceptional leadership, averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.
As the team’s 6’6″ guard with exceptional facilitating skills, Harper positioned himself as a potential top-five pick through his performance and intelligent decision-making.
As the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, Harper’s background adds to his appeal. His on-court performance and family history have made him a top prospect. Some predictions have him being selected as the second overall pick in the draft.
Can Rutgers’ Duo Steal the 2025 NBA Draft Spotlight from Flagg?
The upcoming 2025 NBA Draft has the potential to be one of the most compelling in years, with several college players showcasing exceptional talent. The widely held belief that Flagg will be the top pick now faces strong competition from Bailey and Harper.
Flagg, a Duke standout, has impressed with his performances, but the dynamic Rutgers duo is proving its mettle. Teams looking for their next franchise player have taken notice of their skill sets and impressive freshman seasons.
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When Bailey and Harper joined the team amid high expectations, Rutgers received its highest-rated recruits in program history.
Despite Rutgers’ disappointing season and missing the NCAA Tournament, Bailey and Harper established themselves as top freshman scorers. Harper also stood out as a talented point guard. Bailey and Harper collectively possess the talent to potentially become the top selections.
As the draft day approaches, the discussion about who will be the first player chosen remains intense.
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