Former Rutgers teammates Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper stole the show with a lighthearted exchange that quickly went viral on social media.
As Harper posed for his official draft photoshoot, he jokingly questioned Bailey’s arrival, saying, “Who allowed him in here just now?”
Bailey could not resist the opportunity to playfully interrupt, telling his friend, “Smile, man,” during this “life-changing moment,” as captured in a clip shared by the NBA on Instagram.
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Both arrived at Rutgers as elite recruits, with Harper ranked No. 2 and Bailey No. 3 in the 2024 high school class, per 247Sports. Their decision to team up in Piscataway further elevated a program with a modest history, producing just three first-round picks before them.
Under coach Steve Pikiell, they transformed the Scarlet Knights, posting an overall record of 15-17, with a 8-12 record in Big Ten.
Harper, a 6-foot-6 point guard, averaged 19.4 points per game. Bailey, a 6-foot-10 wing, contributed 17.6 points per game, which tells more about his scoring and defensive ability.
Off the court, the two share a great bond built through a season of highs and lows, which has helped them head into the 2025 NBA Draft.
Projections for Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper for 2025 NBA Draft
Moving to the 2025 NBA Draft, the two are projected to have divergent paths. Harper, projected as high as No. 2 by ESPN, boasts a polished game, combining scoring and playmaking similar to De’Aaron Fox. Bleacher Report highlights his rim pressure as a fit for teams like the San Antonio Spurs, eyeing a complement to Victor Wembanyama.
Bailey was also slotted in the top five by many mock drafts. With his elite shooting ability and strong physical tools. However, his pre-draft choice to skip workouts with some top-five teams, noted by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, has caused debate, yet his potential remains very high. Some mock draft reports project him to the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 3, and they are weighing options with him in the mix.
As the duo transitions from Rutgers to the NBA, their steadfastness amid the hype could set them apart. Whether they land on the same roster or compete as rivals, they have shared history that will serve them well.
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